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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Clia{)..w.— - Copyriglit No. 

Shelf..i..|ylS^ 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Great and General 

COURTE 



COLLONIE TIMES. 



(James R. Newhall.) 



PUBLISHED BV 

Israel Augustus Newhall and Howard Mudge Newhall, 



i^^-^ 






1897. 

THE NICHOLS PRESS — THOS. P. NICHOLS. 
Lynn, Mass. 



Copyright, 7S97 , by 

Israel Augustus Newhall and Howard Mudge Newhall, 

Lynn, Mass. 



I.ll^^^ 



Printed by THOS P. NICHOLS. 
Lynn, Mass. 



PREFACE. 



The Author of this Book, Judge James Robinson 
Newhall, Lynn Historian, died on October 24th, 1893. 
At the time of his death this book was in plate ready for 
publication, and arrangements were being made for print- 
ing and binding. The Author was a practical compositor 
and printer as well as historian, and he himself set the 
type from which the plates were cast, completing his work 
when he was within a few months of eighty-four years of 
age. This and another work, " The Legacy of an Octo- 
genarian," to be published later, were arranged and com- 
pleted after he had passed his eightieth year. On page 
206 he speaks of his work as a "labor of love," and this 
was characteristic of all his writings, as he gave faithfully 
and unselfishly of his time and labor in the research and 
arrangement of matters of local historical interest. This 
work is now published as carrying out the plan and inten- 
tion of the respected Author, by 

Israel Augustus Newhall. 
Howard Mudge Newhall. 



Lynn, Mass., December^ i8g6. 



CONTENTS. 



A 

Affections, unlawfully seeking to win, punishment for, 350. 

Ancient and Honorable Artillery, 99 to 107. 

Angel of the woods, 504. 

Animals. Bears, 39, 1S9, 199, 274. Foxes, 414. Perfuming, 30, 211. 

Rats, 210. Swine, 121. Weasels, 211. Wolf, 423. 
Arrow John, the Indian chief — serious and diverting points of his 

character illustrated by incident and anecdote, 26, 66, 167, 187, 

217, 232, 266, 267, 270, 273, 495, 500. 

B 

Bakery, John Stone's, in Boston — humorous and disastrous occur- 
rences there, 295 to 306. 

Beacon Hill, how formed, according to Arrow John, 267, 

Bilbowes. See Stocks. 

Board and lodging for members of the Court, 209. 

Boston school, and something about the schoolmasters, 397 to 411. 

Bread. The Court admonish John Stone and wife to make bigger, 295. 
Great prize exhibition of, in Boston, 306. 

Bucaneers, 226. 

C 

Christmas. At the Blue Anchor Tavern — affecting scenes, 237. 

Penalty for the observance of, 477. 
Colony House, 10 to 15, 49. 

Committees, special, of the Court, and their doings, 70, 184, 299, 412. 
Contest between a farmer and a tanner, 137. 
Court, laws and orders of. See Enactments. 
Courtship, 349 to 365. 
Crows — Arrow John's account of their destruction by the clams. 27a. 

Their unmannerly mocking of the psalm-singers, 420. 

(5) 



Vl CONTENTS. 

D 

Day, good Stephen, the first printer in the Colony, his outfit and his 

mishaps, 461 to 473. 
Divorce, instances of, and causes, 380 to 384. 
Doers and Talkers, legislative, iSo, 204, 282. 
Dress, extravagance in, forbidden, 310 to 341. 
Drowned girl discovered by Sunnv Wave, ic)6. 

E 

Election day, "the good old 'lection," 100. 

Eliot, Rev. John, the apostle to the Indians, 197, 198, 199, 235, 419, 
483 to 487, 493, 497, 499. 

Elopement of Zadoc Bread and Amabel Cottleston, 358. 

Enactments of the Court — illustrating the spirit and condition of the 
people, 40,41. 43. 44. 55. 59, 61, 63, 64, 70, 71, in, 114, 123, 
125, 149, 152, 172, 208, 209, 221 to 227, 255, 260, 280 to 295, 
305. 306, 309 to 313, 326 to 328, 344 to 347, 350 to 352, 363 to 
367, 378 to 385, 391, 425, 429, 458, 471, 472, 476 to 478, 488. 

F 
Freemen, their qualifications and duties, 44. 

Funerals. Of the Spanish youth, at the Blue Anchor, 248. Of the 
gentle Mary, 250. Of a suicide, 480. Of Sunny Wave, 497. 

G 

General Court. Its first assembling at Boston, 9. Dr. Chauncey's 
slander on, 48. Its sycophantic address to Charles II., 149. 
Their arrangement for the entertainment of members at the Ship 
Tavern, 221, and the scene at an evening meal, 256. Special 
committee of, view Mr. Humfrey's wind-mill, 70. Another com- 
mittee look after the Charles river tides, 184. Another visit Mr. 
Stone's bakery, 299. Another survey land for Harvard College, 
412. See Enactments. 

Ghostly invasion, 7C. 

Grout, Hachaliah, a shining light — biographical sketch, 134 to 160. 

H 

Harvard College, pet child of the Court, receives due attention, 412. 
Corporal punishment in, 425, 429, 445. Poor fare of the students, 
427. Pranks of students, 452. Condition of, in 1680, 458. 

Hastv pudding, 33. 

Huis. Beacon Hill, 267. Copp's Hill, 267. Fort Hill, 154, 267. 



CONTENTS. VU 

Hubbard, Levi, a shining light. Biographical sketch, i6o to 179, 
Humfrey, Dorcas and Sarah, their touching history, 59 to 64. 84 to 96. 
HuMFREY, John, a shining light Biographical sketch, 51 to 97. 
Husking party, 441. 

I J 

Incontinence in early times, 365, 385. 
Infant baptism, 476. 

Insane woman in Boston meeting house, 313. 
Jewsharp band, 108. 

K 

Keayne, Capt. Robert, a shining light. Biographical sketch, 97 to 134. 
Kerley, Ebenezer, the rhyming member. His eccentricities, 211 to 220. 

L 

Letters. Boston school boy to his sister, and her answer, 401 to 405, 

Sunny Wave to Rev. Mr. Eliot, 484. 
Lightning, effects of, in Mr. Day's printing office, 464. 

M 
Marriage, 365 to 380. Act to prevent unlawful, 366. 
Marshall, Capt, his jolly doings and magistral lapses, 367 to 380. 
Mary, the gentle maid of the Blue Anchor Tavern, 231 to 252. 

N 
Nippy Curlup, the tailor. Dark and light streaks in his career, 233, 

318 to 326. 
Norton, Adoniram, a shining light Biographical sketch, 179 to 206. 

O 

Orders of Court, and laws. See Enactments. 
Orthography of olden time, 17. 

P 

Pic-nics. In Boston Highlands, 194. Near Harvard College, 413. 

Pinion, Simon. His journal, 15. Journey with Mr. Higginson, to 
attend the first General Court at Boston, 19. Account of great 
training of Ancient and Honorable Artillery, 103. Account of a 
great bread show, in Boston, 306. Account of pic-nic on Har- 
vard College grounds, 413. 

Printing office, the first in the Colony, 460. 

Psalm singing. In Court, 172. At pic-nic, interrupted by crows, 420. 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

Punishments — corporal, in Harvard College, 425, 429, 445; various 
remarkable, 41, 55, 61, 63, 283, 284, 285, 290, 292, 293, 350, 
352, 425, 429, 476, 477, 478. See Enactments. 

R 
Rats and weasels about the Colony House, 210, 211. 
Regicides, Goff and Whalley, appear in Court, 146. 

S 

Schools, order of Court establishing, 391. Boston school and school- 
masters, 397 to 412. 

Sea-serpent, 217. 

Seaton, Christine. Her fascinating perverseness, 329 to 341. Her 
mysterious disappearance, and return with Sunny Wave, 4S8 to 
492. Her final disappearance, 503. 

Ship Tavern, at Boston. Entertainment of members there, 221. De- 
scription of, and scene at evening meal, 252 to 279. 

Shop keepers, not to oppress by high prices, 114, 345. 

Smoking, not allowed in court room, 280. 

Snakes, 23, 210, 450, 456. 

Spanish youth, affecting story of, 225 to 249. 

Stocks, 164, 284, 285, 290. 

Suicide, burial of a, 480. 

Sumptuary laws, 310 to 346. See Enactments. 

Sunny Wave, the Indian maid — her fascinating, heroic, and virtu- 
ous traits illustrated, 25, 66, 68, 85, no, 167, 187, 191, 194, 
195, 198, 233, 234, 235, 244, 252, 308, 338, 359, 361, 418, 483, 
484. Her distressing death, 493. Her burial, 498. 

Swine, Capt. Keayne's great law case concerning, 121. 

T 

Talkers and Doers, legislative, 180, 204, 282. 

Taverns. The Blue Anchor, and remarkable scenes that happened 

there, 223 to 252. Ship Tavern, 221, 252, 279. 
Tobacco, use of, forbidden, 2S0 to 282. 
Trade, principles of, false and true, 116. 

W 
Wages of mechanics and laborers, 341 to 346. 
War ordinances, iii. 

Witch hunting in Boston Pasture, 436. Witchery in printing office, 464. 
Wolf pit, Mr. Callings falls into one of his own digging, 423. 



T 

Gl^AT AND pENEI^L CoUI^. 



CHAPTER I. 



HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

THE Great and General Court first assembled 
in Boston, in the autumn of 1630 : the Great and 
General Court — the rock and shield of the now blissful 
and boastful old Bay State, in its colonial infancy, its 
provincial youth, and its sovereign manhood : the 
Great and General Court — sometimes the scene of 
heroic struggles for true liberty and God-given rights, 
and sometimes the scene of sordid strivings and vain 
bluster. 

It was a momentous occasion, and drew together, 
as well it might, all who could attend, from far and 
near — the patriotic, the curious, the idle — a few 
only, of the lame and the timorous shirks remaining 
behind. And divers Indians, too, from the neighbor- 
ing tribes, came, imposingly bedecked with paint and 
feathers, anxious to be present at the first " Bi£- 
a* (9) 



lO I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

Talk" as they called it, of the white men. Big Talk, 
forsooth ! It was one that might well have hidden 
its diminutive head if compared with the legislative 
talks of these latter days ; talks which have been 
growing bigger and bigger till half the year is hardly 
sufficient for the lingual gyrations. But there were 
some members of that rough-cast assembly whose 
renown will be forever green in our annals — Brad- 
street, Dudley, Endicott, Ludlow, Nowell, Phichon, 
Saltonstall, Winthrop, among them. 

The structure in which this Court, pregnant of 
such mighty interests, principles and promises, was 
held — this legislative body which by its annual re- 
newals has been continued, with few interruptions, to 
our day, a beacon-light of political wisdom, though 
at times assuming rather the appearance of a revolv- 
ing light — was somewhat different, both in itself and 
its surroundings from the stately edifice that now 
adorns Beacon Hill. But as one may be wise, and 
good, and great, as well in homespun as in purple 
and fine linen, so wisdom, goodness, and greatness 
may develop themselves as well under an unceiled 
roof as under a gilded dome. 

The centre of a straggling pine grove, a little to 
the south-west of Copp's Hill was the site of the gro- 
tesque structure which the patriotic men of Boston 
had provided for the assembly, looking forward, doubt- 
less, for remuneration, when the Court should convene. 
The prim old trees, as if conscious of the dignity 
of the occasion, had, by the aid of an opportune frost, 
prepared an aromatic carpet of brown, which a spir- 
ited wind had occupied the whole preceding night 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. II 

in spreading all around, so yielding that the most 
soft-footed gravity might not be discomposed. 

The day proved to be one of the most lovely 
of the whole of the blessed Indian-summer, which 
that year happened to be unusually protracted. A 
gentle breeze swept down from the south-west and 
the golden haze added a dreamy charm to the scarlet 
foliage of the maple, the brown of the oak, and orange 
of the walnut, which beautifully mingled with the 
deep green of the pine and hemlock. The scene was 
indeed sufficiently inspiring to even extort sundry 
appreciative grunts from the impassive Indians who 
were loitering about. 

Of the structure itself a word should be said. It 
was low, and built of rough-hewn logs. Upon the 
inside, for some four feet upward, it had a sort of 
wainscoting of unplaned boards that had been wrought 
from the huge pines which so lately occupied the site, 
the good people of Salem, who owned the only big 
saw in the Colony, having, after a protracted negotia- 
tion, consented to lend that useful implement for the 
occasion. There was a small window upon each side, 
glazed with diminutive panes, so knotty and wavy 
that when one without looked in, he would see an 
assembly of giants and dwarfs, some leaning this way 
and some that, and some on their very heads ; and 
when one within looked out, he would see trees 
dancing fantastic jigs, in all sorts of postures, and 
rocks, water, and clouds, in the oddest jumbles. In 
short, they distorted every thing viewed through them, 
to as great an excess as any principle could be distorted 
by the most derelict legislator. To assist these win- 



12 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE, 

dows in the admission of light, there were irregular 
openings between the upper layers of logs, covered 
with transparent animal membrane. The door was 
of rough plank, with an enormous wooden latch — the 
string of which, a knotty piece of second-hand cod-line, 
always hung invitingly out — and swung gracefully 
on one hinge of iron and two of uncurried hide. The 
chimney was built of unshapely stones, picked up in 
the vicinity, and was so jagged and angular that the 
poor smoke found it a hard road to travel ; so hard, 
indeed, that unless an accommodating wind lent its 
aid, it was accustomed frequently to give over the 
attempt, and expand in the room, much to the annoy- 
ance of the members, as evidenced by their red and 
watery eyes. 

The interior of the edifice presented an array of 
oaken benches, sufficiently substantial to bear, without 
a creak, the dignity of the whole British parliament. 
And they who sat on those uncomely seats, long before 
the disappearance of that lowly council-house, had the 
spirit more than once to defy the power of that august 
parliament, and the sovereign too. Arranged along 
the walls were sundry ponderous tables with legs 
enough to sustain a perpetual and annoying war with 
the legs of those who sat by them. And over the 
tables, picturesquely hanging against the wall, at a 
height that made it necessary to rise for every dip 
of the pen, were divers quaint-looking inkhorns, some 
of which had served one term of usefulness on the 
heads of goats and rams, and some, having extraordi- 
nary twists and protuberances, were reputed to have 
once adorned the heads of unicorns and devils, which 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 1 3 

gentry, the latter especially, were at that period uni- 
versally believed to abound in our woods ; the Ply- 
mouth people, too, declaring that they had been much 
disturbed by them. Eagle quills, as well as goose, 
were provided in abundance, and long knives hung in 
the corners, for the convenience of making and mend- 
ing pens. Near the wall opposite the entrance, was 
a rude platform, raised on blocks, sufficiently capa- 
cious for the accommodation of the presiding officer 
and secretary. The chair of the chief dignitary was 
a ponderous, fantastically-wrought affair, and was 
brought over in the May Flower, among the count- 
less tons of trumpery which that vessel, of miraculous 
capacity, transported hither. It came into Massachu- 
setts as the gift of the redoubtable Miles Standish. 
But the Plymouth people soon made a great rumpus 
about it, declaring that it was not his to give. An 
expedition was sent up for its recovery, but was obliged 
to return without accomplishing the purpose ; and it 
was kept spiked down till the danger seemed to be 
over. I believe the last service it performed was the 
heating of the kitchen oven at the Ship Tavern, for 
it suddenly lost all favor, by one afternoon, without 
any premonition, disjointing itself and letting its 
occupant fall sprawling upon the floor. A vote was 
immediately passed, giving the wreck to the keeper 
of the tavern, with whom a number of the members 
boarded, and into whose capacious oven went all the 
irregular and crooked sticks. Its ghost, however, has 
appeared in several antiquarian collections, among 
the innumerable other May Flower ghosts. 

The building had a pitch roof and was unceiled 



14 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

above, so that a series of knotty and irregular rafters 
were visible, among which the industrious wasps and 
hornets found hospitable niches in which to entrench 
themselves and rear their useful progeny. 

Just in the rear of the building, and protecting it 
from the north winds, arose an enormous boulder, 
from the summit of which one might scan the blue 
waters of the Bay, and the wavy woods beyond the 
river, with here and there a spire of smoke marking 
the habitation of some settler or the wigwam of some 
Indian. From beneath the boulder issued a sportive 
little stream which dashed along over a pebbly bed to 
a miry expansion below, where the bullfrogs were 
wont to erect their green heads and gruffly utter their 
compliments to the squirrels who sported in the 
branches above, and their suspicions to the hungry 
snakes who coiled expectant among the rushy tufts. 

Then upon the little plain that spread out from the 
western slope were picturesquely arranged sundry 
flakes which had been erected for the convenience 
of drying salted cod fish. The sympathies of the 
Court, at a very early period, went lovingly out 
toward cod fish, and the hardy piscine adventurers 
along our shores throve wonderfully under the benefi- 
cent legislative smiles. And in years long after the 
odorous old flakes had disappeared, and the place of 
assembly had been removed to a far-off" point, they 
had the likeness of a cod fish made and hung up in 
the hall. And so it has hung to this day — rather a 
scaly idol, to be sure, but perhaps one sufficient to 
bring them within the terms of the injunction not to 
worship the likeness of any thing in the water. We 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 1$ 

talk lightly of a " cod fish aristocracy ; " but the irrev- 
erence arises from ignorance of history. On a headland 
near the water's edge, a rudely constructed wind-mill 
swung its ponderous arms, and always held itself in 
readiness, under favor of a good breeze, to do its duty 
in pumping water into the salt-pans, a few of which had 
been hastily set, to supply the needs of the fishermen. 
As there may here and there in this volume be a 
fact or circumstance brought under notice that cannot 
be found stated on the regular records, it may be well 
now to remark that I have derived no inconsiderable 
information touching the doings of the Court, as well 
as regarding other matters illustrative of those early 
times, from a journal kept by one Simon Pinion, who 
seems to have been an attendant on the sessions of 
the Court for a considerable time. After sleeping 
quietly for more than two hundred years, in what 
rubbish-receptacle no one knows, this invaluable col- 
lection fell into my hands through the agency of a 
friendly paper-maker, who, during the great scarcity 
of paper-stock in the early part of the war of the rebel- 
lion, in answer to a newspaper advertisement, received 
cart-loads of what the old ladies called " lutter," from 
cobwebbed garrets and dark closets. Of the journal- 
ist himself I am unable to give much information, for 
he seems to have had little ambition to become con- 
spicuous, and consequently his name is seldom met 
in the public records — the common fate of modesty. 
Yet it is evident that he possessed a genial mind, was 
intelligent, and a keen observer of passing events. 
His education appears to have been very fair, and his 
association with all classes familiar. 



1 6 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

No one who examines the records of the General 
Court, for many years, as they have come down to us, 
can for a moment suppose that they contain an ac- 
count of all the doings. The shrewd old legislators 
had solid reasons for not having all their proceedings 
appear in black and white, reasons which sometimes 
not very remotely touched the connection between 
their heads and shoulders. And there exist remarka- 
ble precedents in that direction. Even in the records 
of the British high court of chancery a significant 
hiatus may here and there be found. Some of the 
important results arrived at by our fathers were 
reached by amazingly short cuts, the trail being care- 
fully obliterated. 

I was going to state that Mr. Pinion represented 
Boston in the Court, for many years ; but do not find 
his name in any list now at hand. It may, therefore, 
be that the passages in his journal which led to the 
supposition, led astray. It is certain, however, that 
he was much at the Court, but might have been there 
as a lobby member — a kind of attendant so uncom- 
mon at this day, that a description may be needed ; 
though on the whole it would hardly be advisable to 
give one, as it might have some tendency to revive a 
disreputable custom now so happily obsolete. I can- 
not think, however, that one gifted with such an open 
and honest mind as he evidently had, could fill such 
a position. He certainly could not have been there 
as a newspaper reporter, for there were no newpapers 
to report for. Possibly he may have been there as a 
man of leisure, seeking amusement, for that was about 
the only place in the broad land, where amusement 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 1/ 

was then to be found. But these surmises are not 
of much importance ; we have him there, and that is 
sufficient for our purpose. 

A charming air of truthfulness pervades Mr. Pin- 
ion's jottings ; and I feel no temptation to disturb his 
quaint style and simple language further than to vary 
the spelling of a word, when, in the shape he put it, 
it would not be likely to be understood at all ; for I 
should be very sorry to have my good friend, the 
reader, every now and then throw down the book, 
exclaiming, " Confound the unintelligible words " — 
as the readers of Scott's novels, fifty years ago, used 
to drop their books and " Confound the Scotchisms " — 
though they did not suffer them to lie long ; a differ- 
ent fate, most likely, from that which would attend 
this book. And, moreover, the few changes I make 
cannot be called taking liberties, for he himself, in 
common with all others at that period, usually spelled 
the same word in divers ways. Orthography, in 
short, was then very much a matter of taste, there 
being no acknowledged standard. It was by no 
means always ignorance that produced the discord- 
ance in spelling, though the discordance often turned 
out to be useful in concealing ignorance. In the 
matter of abbreviations they went to an amusing 
extent. Some, for instance, wrote &, w'^^ w^^ y% y™, 
y", y°, y*, for and, wJiich, ivith, the, them, then, you, that, 
in all cases ; others spelled the words in full, or ab- 
breviated indiscriminately. Some seldom abbrevi- 
ated ; others had a passion for the short-hand style, 
contracting, apparently, whenever they could find a 
decent pretense. But all seem to have entertained an 

2 



1 8 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

almost childish inclination to show their ingenuity in 
spelling the same word in as many ways as the sounds 
of letters would admit. I have seen, in a deposition 
of some twelve lines, the name of the deponent spelled 
in five different ways. The y^ grew out of the peculiar 
way of forming the letters in writing tJie as any one 
may perceive by closely examining old manuscripts ; 
though Webster says the y^, as thus used, is a corrupt 
representation of the Saxon character which was 
equivalent to our tJi — which seems to me learned 
error. Some letters were very commonly used inter- 
changeably, as i andy, ?/ and v. These few remarks 
on the ancient mode of spelling may be worthy of 
notice by such readers as have not been accustomed 
to the perusal of old works, as occasionally, through- 
out our volume, will appear extracts from early records, 
so quaint and queer. 

I find in the journal of Mr. Pinion a very opportune 
account of the perils and adventures that befel the 
worthy Mr. Higginson and himself on their way 
to attend this Court. And I extract it here with 
much pleasure, as giving a faithful glimpse of the 
difficulties that attended the performance of their 
political duties by the men of that day. Those who 
now glide up to the General Court, in a few hours, 
from the remotest corners of the State, lolling upon 
the velvet seats of the rail-road cars — many of them, 
no doubt, enjoying the vivifying fumes, the intellectual 
repast, and the liquid adornments, to be found in the 
smoking cars — more at ease than if at home in their 
ostentatious parlors — might find it difficult to realize 
the condition of things at that period. Such cotem- 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE, 1 9 

porary details furnish the very best pictures of the 
times to which they relate. 

Well, then, Mr. Pinion says : 

" As y'^ Gen''all Co^'te was to assemble att Boston, 
on y^ morrow, and I being on a vissit to Sallem, att 
M"" Higginson his hows, hee sayd to me y' as itt were 
well to bee at our poste betimes, it might not bee 
amiss to starte y' day, by w^'^ meanes wee c'', haply, 
reach Goodman Bennett his hows by night, lodge 
there, and bee refresht for y^ rest of y^ journie, and 
for y^ comeing x''cises. And lest, peradventure, we 
might need wherew"^ to stay our stomacks by y^ way — 
not haueing faith sufhtient to y*^ findeing of manna in 
y^ wildernesse — he sayd wee c^ take enow in our 
wallets for that, and supp at our lodging place. This 
met my own mind ; and soe, earlie in y'' afternoon, 
w^'^ a well stuffed wallet on my back, and a red kegg 
w^*^ a few comforting drams therein strapped vpon his, 
wee sett fourth, purposeing to goe afoote, he deeming 
it unseemlie to ride y^ old bull, on sutch an occation, 
and both feareing y* y^ horse w'^ be but a trouble on 
soe rough a roade. 

" Wee had stout oaken staffs to stay our steps and 
withal to defend against any potent adversarie that 
might assail vs. And to add wh' we might to our 
presence, we bedeckt o''selves in our best apparell, 
well knowing y* manie reckon others by their loocks. 
M'' Higginson wore his brown veluet breeches, and 
his coat of blew ffrench stuff, his broidered doublet, 
his white leggins and his best deer-skin half-bootes. 
Hee had tasty red ribbins knotted at y^ knees, and 
vpon his head he wore his famous London hatt, w^'' 



20 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

brim y* could be brought down over his eares like 
y^ bonnet of a dame, and tied aneath his chinn, or 
c*^ be buttoned to y^ crown like y^ capp of a Dutch 
admiral — y^ same hatt y' had soe struck y« fancy 
of y^ Indjan warriors y* they had manie times essayed 
to steal y^ same. 

" Wee took our way threw y^ pine plats, and over 
y^ hills toward y^ Sawgust Plantacion. Nickt trees 
and divers marks made by other trauellers helped to 
guide vs in y^ right way most of y® time, and wee 
beguiled y^ tedjousness by holdeing m^*^ earnest dis- 
course on y^ great matters that might presently turn 
vpp for our comfort or distres. He w'^ haue it that 
y^ devill was about to let loose his impes vppon vs for 
to doe his misscheifs while we were yet but a small 
peeple and weak ; for, said he, y^ evill beast knoweth 
passing well when to strike his blows. But, said I, 
Master Higginson, I feare no sutch doleful happening, 
for be we not in God his keeping, whose chosen pee- 
ple we surelie are, worthie pilgrims, well instructed 
in y^ scriptures and y^ cattykism, and well grounded 
in y^ holie ordinances and docktrines, haueing godly 
ministers, too, to watch y" fold ag"st ravening beasts ? 
And moreouer, sayd I, will not y^ God who sent vs 
hither to plant and keep alive y^ trew vine bee w"^ vs .? 
Will nott y^ great Master take care of his owne .-' It 
doth seem to mee y' sutch misgivings are but doubt- 
ings of his pow"" and prommises. But say what I 
would, he must needes still hold to great feare of y^ 
devill. 

" Then againe we held discourse touching some 
of y^ great matters y' might presently com befour vs 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 21 

in y^ Co''te, and of our prospects as a peeple. Com 
vp yonder, Simon, sayd he, poynting w^'^ his staff to 
a mightie roc by y^ wayside, Com vp, and I will show 
you a goodlie sight. Nay, nay, s'^ I, for wee shall 
haue climbing enow, befo'' wee reach o'' journeys end. 
And moreouer, itt is not wise to keep leaveing y^ 
path ; for wh" one is in y^ right way, hee doeth well 
to pursue it diligently, not turning to right nor left to 
see new things — and we may presently lose o^'selves 
in y® mazes of y^ wildernesse. And I did remind 
him of y^ scripture wherein is told of a great tempta- 
tion on a high mountain. But he would haue it y* we 
sh"^ goe vp — and being a little heady I was faine to 
doe as he w^. 

" Being vp on y^ mowntain roc, after m'^'' paines, 
he first took off his hatt, and wiped y^ sweatt from 
his face w* was m* disfigured w'*^ wartes, amoung 
^ch ye lititle streames trickled zigzaging downe. And 
then, stretching fourth his staff, as did Moses on vew- 
ing y® promissed land, he s'\ Now, Simon, I w'^ y* 
y° caste y"" eye ouer y^ lande, and say if it be not a 
goodlie herryttage. Yonder may be made broade 
feilds for grain and other products. Y"^ waters there 
are stored w*'^ savoury ffish, yea, w^'^ aboundance of 
goodlie cod ffish. And y^ great occean beyond is 
y grand highway on w'^^ shipps may ride to vs w'*' all 
y^ good things of distant landes. What, then, shall 
hinder vs to be, at sum day, a mightie nation. Here 
is room enow for more peeple y" y^ hosts of Israel 
could number. Look yonder, too, vpon y^ boundless 
forrest, and consider wh* noble spoyl may there be 
made ; wh* countless habittacions, yea, and statelie 



22 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

shipps may be built from y^ huge and tow''ing trees. 
Yes, yes, sayd I, but if y* forrest be alreadie giuen 
ouer for y^ habbitacion of dragons and devills who 
can abide therein to upUft y^ ax ? Butt he, not heed- 
ing what I sayd, grew warmer still, and seizing my 
hand w"^ m'='^ fervour, furth"" sayd. Yea, and yea, Si- 
mon, in generrations yet for to com here will be a 
great and poW^full nation — a land wherein, as y^ 
scripf saith, thou shalt eat bread w*'^out scarceness 
and shalt not lack anie thing in it. Here will bee 
gr* marchants and cunning craftsmen ; and holie men 
and sages shall rise vp. Mark my prophesie, mark it, 
mark it, Simon, and see if it doth not com to pas. 

" I do not know. Master Higginson, sayd I, where 
I may be in generations to com, so y' I can see these 
great things com to pas. Tru, y^ lande is now uery 
faire to loock vpon w"^ a pleasant sunn shining above ; 
but we doe well to considder y' this herrytage came 
vnder y^ gr* curse pronounced at y^ beginning ; and 
so y^ outrages of storme and tempest must needs fall 
vpon it, and cold and heat doe their evill work. And, 
worse than all, as y° y^'selfe will have it y' evill spiritts 
doe greatlie abound, must we not fear that that wind 
will be sown wh'^of y*^ whirlwind will som day be 
reapt .-' Butt is y° land in truth ours, or have y^ 
Indjan salvages yet rights in y* herittage .'' 

" It will be, it will be ours, sayd he, and that pres- 
entlie, for God hath sent vs hither to occupie. Y^ 
tawnie and devill-nursed barbarians will melt away 
like y^ ice of winter befoar y*" winds of spring. And 
I feel, at this moment that y^ morrow hath m'^^ to doe 
^th ye great times to com. 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 23 

" Now, sayd he, we will sitt down on y^ rock, and 
refresh o''selues somewhat from y° wallett and kegg. 
And while preparing our meat, a strange whirring or 
rattling noyse was heard nigh at hand. What is that, 
what is that, Simon ? sayd M"" Higginson, takeing y^ 
kegg from his lipps, and peering about in som fright ; 
w'^'' words were but uttered, wh" a pestiferous serpent 
w"' divers rattles in his tail, glided vp from a crevice, 
and quicklie quoiled himself w'*' his head erected, his 
eyes glistening, and his forked tongue thrusting out 
at vs in gr' spitefulnes. Mercie on vs, ejaculated M"" 
Higginson, much scared ; mercie on vs ; wh' did I 
say, just now, ab^ devills. And he dropt y^ kegg, w='> 
rolled downe y^ hill, spilling all y^ pretious liquor. 
Strike, Simon, strike, he exclaimed, in gr* terrour, 
lumping vp and swinging his armes aloft, strike, and 
beat downe y'' evil beaste, or we o''selues shall both be 
destroyed. And I, girding myselfe w^'^ a remembranc 
of y'' great temptation, did strike, w''' m'^'' heartines, 
beating y'' life out of y^ monster afore he had tyme to 
spring vpon us. 

" Well don, Simon, well don, cried M"" Higginson, 
you have shurelie despatched a most pestigeous imp 
of y^ devill. Never parley, never parley, nor prevari- 
cate w*'' sutch dam'^ stragglers from y^ nether world. 
But com, we will abide here no longer, not knowing 
wh' cursed shape y^ evill one or som other servant 
of his, may next put on, to our fright and danger ; 
nor how soone, nor in wh' shape y^ slimy impe befoar 
vs may arise to his unholie work. Y"" blows, Simon, 
did strike home, but in faith did not y^ baptism f"" y^ 
keg doe somewh' of y^ work } It was a providence y' 



24 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

we borrow^ y^ sacramental wine keg for our occation, 
y^ presence even of so sacred a vessel being potent. 

" I am amaz"^, Master Higginson, sayd I, at what 
y° utter, and more amaz"^ at yo'' prophanitie. What 
prophanitie, Simon, sayd he, brisquely, I utter^ none ; 
or if I did, it was but an evil turn of y* tongue w^'out 
assent of y^ minde. We are tau', Simon, y* tongues 
are unrulie members ; and y" best of y™ will some- 
times work awry. Well, well, sayd I, it is ouer now. 
But I dew surmise y' y^ fumes of y^ strong liquor, or 
y^ spattering of y"^ same on y^ serpent his head did 
help to our conquest, for wh" y^ keg came down he 
squirm'^ handsomlie. 

" Wee were soon on our way again. And when by 
our judgm* we had com w^'^in a myle or two of Good- 
man Bennett his hows, we fell vpon a great store 
of luscious grapes, and would fain tarry to refresh 
o^'selues in y^ use of y^ same. But som ill was like to 
com of this, for, step by step, we wander^ from y^ 
path till we were quite lost in y^ wildernes. Beating 
abovt to noe purpos, till nigh y^ tyme of sunnsetting, 
gr^ feare began to fall vpon vs, w^'^ surelie did not 
abate wh" we began to heare divers terrible roareings 
and bellowings farr off in y^ woodes. Wee conjec- 
tured y* bears and lyons were prowling vp and down, 
and unicorns and dragons, perhaps. And M"" Hig- 
ginson would haue it y* sum must be devills, as he 
verrily tho' he smelt brimston in y^ aire. 

" Being wearie and sorely perplext wee paused to 
consider wh' had best be done. But presentlie, on 
peering forward among y^ trees, we discried y^ w'^^ 
filled me w*'' amazem"^ and M' Higginson w'^ alarum. 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 2$ 

He declared y* it c'^ bee nothing but one of y^ devills 
w'='' he was well persuaded had bin sent by their mast"^ 
to obstruct our way. But I reply^ y' it seemed to me 
his head was a very breeding place of monsters ; and 
that to me, this appearance was more like an angeU 
y"* a devill. And so, scanning y^ appearance still 
furth"" I was faine to say, If my eyes doe not deceive 
me, it is a faire Indjan mayd, w*'' white eagle plumes, 
w'^'' betoken high breeding, among y"^ salvages, as I 
haue heard M"" Endicott say ; and she is begirt w"' a 
braive red sash, and bedeck' w'"^ dyvers shining trink- 
ets s'=^ as y^ forrest mayds do most covet ; surelie, 
too, she hath a dainty step, and sped athwart y^ open- 
ing as lightsom as a young fawne. And loock even 
now toward yonder great hemlock, and see how cun- 
ninglie she peereth vpon vs from behind y^ trunck. 
I warrant y° Master Higginson, y' there is flesh and 
bloud, and dainty, too. 

" Angell or devill, sayd hee, wee will pursue, and 
haply it may be vnto vs a meanes of escape from our 
present bewilderm*, tho I have heard of good men 
being lured to destruction by devills appeareing in 
y® shape of faire women. But night is comeing on 
apace, and if we doe not finde our way presentlie, we 
must abide here for y^ night. But, Simon, Simon, 
sayd he, chucking my ribs w"^ his staff, and leering 
w''' a knowing look vpon me, thou art a great rogue, 
and m'^'* beguiled by womankind. But I tell y° y^ old 
deludor cometh often in their shape to lure men to 
destruccion. Beware, beware. 

" Wee now made what haste we c^ toward y® tree, 
crying to hir, y« while, not to be afraide ; y' we were 

B 



26 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

trauellers who w^ haue some guide to restore vs to 
our lost way ; thus crying in y^ hope y' she might 
know enow of y^ Enghsh tongue to understand our 
callammity and enow of y^ wildernesse to lead vs out. 
But she bounded off w'"^ gr' speed ; and quickening 
our pace we pursued on and presentlie came vppon a 
great roc, whence we spied hir, nimbly speeding 
on, and crying in gr* alarrum, till she fell, panting 
like a hunted hare, right into y® armes of a brawnie 
Indjan who had rushed forw^^ at hir ringing cry. He 
cacht hir in his armes and loockt fiercely about to 
see what dang"" threaten*^, while she lovinglie clung 
about his neck. It was, in sooth, a touching sight to 
behold there in y* dark woodes. Then it seemed as 
if she complain'^ to him of our pursuit. And there- 
vppon he gentlie put hir downe and seiz*^ his knotty 
clubb and strode fourth w''' it uplifted as if he would 
smite vs to y^ earth. 

" Wee essayed to make hym vnderstand who in 
truth wee were ; and felt m* releif wh" wee found y' 
they both knew somewh' of our tongue. Hir terrour 
soone abated, and shee stood fourth besyde hir father, 
as comelie a mayd as ev"" trod y*^ wild woodes. In y^ 
parlie wee were certified y' hee was a cheife of m*^^ 
peeple somewh' to y^ northward. Y'^ moth"" of y^ little 
mayd was dead, and he m*^'' loved hir, his onlie child. 
Wee had som friendlie talk, and they w<^ faine haue 
vs goe to their lodge and eate of their corne cake and 
dryed IBsh, and abide w''' y"^ till morning ; but wee 
w^ not, seeing y^ long journie yet befour vs. The 
Indjan sayd if we w^ not tarry w"^ y™ hee w^ put vs 
vppon y^ shortest way to Goodman Bennett his hous. 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 2/ 

And w*'' great thankfulness wee took him for our 
guide. While holdeing this discours, y^ mayd ran 
away, and presentlie came back w''^ a baskett filled 
w^'^ sutch noble chesnutts as olde Engl'^ is a strainger 
to. Shee sayd shee had gather'^ y"^ w''* hir owne 
handes, and we were welcom to y'". And wh" we 
had made our pocketts heavy w''^ y'" she seem^ greiv^ 
y^ we W^ take no more. Heathen daughf, cryed M"" 
Higginson, m"^'^ roused, and wiping his eyes, thou 
indeed art not altogether a child of y'^ devill ; where 
hast thou bin to pick vp y^ seed of grace .'' goe w"^ me 
to y^ white men their home ; goe, learne of their God 
and y^ way to his kingdom. Noe, noe, sayd she, 
moved even vnto teares, and clinging fast to y^ gar- 
ments of hir fath'', noe, noe, I will not goe, for my 
moth'' be gon to y'= Gr* Spirritt, and wh"" she hath gon 
there w'' I goe. 

" Then y Indjan bade vs follow hym, if we w<^ not 
tarry for y*" night, and sayd as y^ day was so far spent 
we must move apace or y'^ darknes W' be vpon vs 
befour we c"^ reach y^ hous of Goodm" Bennett. So 
wee started off at good speed. On y^ way he W^ talk 
m^'' of his daughf, whom he sayd y*^ white peeple ab* 
his hom called Sunny Wave. And in truth wee did 
think hir a most comelie mayd, and of bright and 
loveing minde. As we trauelled along, she did sing 
som wild Indjan songs, w<^'^ ecco'^ off in y'^ dusky 
woodes allmost like spirrit songs. W'' som of hir 
strange, and touching tones M"' Higginson was m*^'^ 
ov^'com, and say'^ in a chokeing voyce, O, Simon, 
Simon, I doe hazard to say y* if this be a child of 
sathan then sathan hath a child of most wonderful 



28 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

graces. Y" againe shee did putt onn a right merrie 
mood and by hir odd conceits make us laugh till y^ 
teares came again. And M"" Higginson, forgetting 
himselfe, did clapp his hands right heartilie at hir 
cunning imitacions of a minister she had once heard 
preach in Plimouth Collonie, and who had a strange 
way of snuffing and x'cising his armes. 

" Our way was rough, and we had aboundance of 
scratches from y^ brambles, and manie dangers from 
ys pitfalls y' had bin made for to catch y^ wolves. 
And our feet were made soar by y^ rough rocks. 

"Wee reached Goodman Bennett* his hows just as 
y^ moone was rising aboue y^ trees. Y^ Indjans 
were prest to tarry for rest and refreshm' but w' not, 
and presentlie departed, Sunny Wave being in hir 
father his armes, shee saying to him y' she w^ not be 
carry"^ on his back, in y* Indjan fashion, likeing better 
y^ white mann his way. And y^ Indjan sayd, as hee 
went, y* mayhap he sh"^ be at y^ Co''te, on y^ morrow, 

* This was undoubtedly Samuel Bennet, who lived in what is now 
the upper part of Saugus. He afterward accumulated some property, 
having added to his farming enterprises, the teaming of wood and 
clearing of land. A cotemporary account says he " yearly yearned 
vast somes by his teems." He also seems to have done something as 
a carpenter. He was not, however, above reproach in his moral de- 
portment, for in 1644 he was presented by the grand jury as "a 
comon sleeper in time of exercise." I also judge that besides his 
moral obliquity he was affli6ted with a physical irregularity — even 
with strabismus ; for when the Court was petitioned to lend a helping 
hand in the romantic enterprise of straightening the river, which was 
exceedingly crooked near where he lived, several witnesses swore that 
five persons had been made cross-eyed by looking on the stream, and 
he was named as one of the five. At the time Mr. Higginson and 
Mr. Pinion made their journey to the Court, Mr. Bennet had been but 
a few months located where they found him. 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 29 

to hear y^ bigg talk of y^ white men. Goodvvyfe Ben- 
nett certifyed us y* she knew y^ Indjan to be y^ cheif 
call'^ Arrow John, one of note, and a freind to y^ 
English. Y^ Goodwyfe gave vs a heartie welcome, 
and wh" hir husband, who had bin working in y^ feild, 
returned, sett befour vs a savourie meale of venison, 
w^'^ som fat bear steak, and other wild meat, also 
artichokes, and a saus of craunberrys, togeth"" w"^ an 
aboundanc of a lustious drink, m='^ like a small beere, 
made, as y^ dame sayd, of rootes and herbs. M'' Ben- 
nett mostlie occupies in husbandrie, and hath dyvers 
acores now cleared for y^ plow, of w'^'* they alreadie 
haue one in y^ settlem* ; and he hath raysed som 
faire pumpkins and turnips. 

" Wh" y^ meale was ended and we somewh* restor'^ 
from y^ paynes and weariness of y® day, we W^ faine 
lend a hand to our hoste in y^ gath^'ing of his pump- 
kins lest y^ threatened frost sh^ make spoyl of y"". 
Y^ night was pleasant but chill, and we did heare 
y^ notes of manie whip'wills sounding ab' in y*^ woods ; 
likewise y barking of foxes and roareing of dyvers 
oth'' ravening beastes — unicornes and devills againe, 
as M"" Higginson w'^ haue it. 

" While busy ab' y^ pumpkins, M"" Higginson did 
spy near y'' wall and skulking along toward y^ pole 
on w* som poultrie were aroost, a suspitious little 
annimal w^^ a bushy tayl ; and haueing a pumpkin in 
his hands, and deeming y' noe good was intended for 
y^ fowles he hurled y® fruit at y^ prowler w'*^ all his 
might. Y^ aime being faire, y*^ beaste was knock' 
against y^ wall ; but not being m'='^ hurt, he presently 
recover'^ himselfe, and in y^ quick tyme of a lightning 



30 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

flash shed vpon M"" Higginson a Hquor of sutch horrid 
stink y' it seem^ as if his very breath w^^ be foreuer 
gon. Hee jumped vpon y^ wall like one crazed, 
knocking downe y'^ loose stones m'^'^ to y^ dang*" of his 
limbs, beating his thigh w^'^ his clenc^ fist, and crying 
out at y^ top of his voyce, Y"^ curs'^ impes of perdicion 
are surelie now vppon vs ; and what in y^ name of 
heav" will next befal vs. He was in direful agitacion ; 
and M"" Bennett stood aghast at his wild doings and 
prophane wordes. But I, having heard M' Gedney 
tell of an annimal found hereabout called a skunk, 
w'^^' prowleth about poultrie yards, and hath poW, wh° 
assayled, to shed fourth a liquor fit, indeed, for a very 
devill to be baptiz'^ w'^ conjectured y' this was one 
of y^ same. And soe likewise tho' M"" Bennett. But 
a terrible tyme wee had of it. Mercie on me, cryed 
M"" Higginson, after a little pause, and againe spring- 
ing round like one of y^ weird immages set on quoils 
of wire, whe''w"' children play ; mercie on me, what 
shall I doe ? My best apparell is all spoylt ; and O, 
this curs'! smell, I m^'^ feare it will stick to me these 
manie dayes if indeed it doth not till my dyeing hour. 
" Leaveing all we went toward y« hows, but he 
remained without till Goodm" Bennett bro' forth of 
his owne apparell suffytient whe''w* to change y« 
spoyl^ garments. They were not, to be shure, soe 
comelie as y^ others, nor soe well fitting, M'' Higgin- 
son being stoute and tall, and Goodm" Bennett, but 
spare and short. Gaping spaces appear^^ between y« 
leather breeches and y* gray leggins, and y« shews 
were adown at heele. But as nothing better could 
be had, he must needs be content therew* Haueing 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 3 1 

heard it sayd y' cloathes sh"^ be buryed in y^ earth to 
take away anie bad smel in y'^ same, wee presentlie 
digged a grave nigh y^ wall, and put them all in. 
And wh" we return'^ to y*^ hows, M"" Higginson sayd 
it seem'* like returning from y^ funerall of som old 
freind at w='^ he was cheif mourner, he haueing bro* 
y^ suit from olde EngM Butt y^ smel was not all 
burry'* w"^ y^ cloathes ; itt yet remained so strong 
vpon y^ poore man y' wee c'* hardlie abide in y^ room 
w^'' him. 

" After som grave discourse touching y^ affaires of 
y'^ Collonie w*^'^ on y" morrow w'* be considered in full 
Co''te, and singing a psalm, we betook o"'selues to y® 
rest we soe m* needed, our bed. being of clean and 
sweete sedge, sutch as a prince need not dispyse. 

"While putting off our garments, I sayd to M"" 
Higginson, Surelie, now, aff y*^ xperience we haue 
had, y° will owne y' this land, tho faire to look vpon, 
and a lande of m*^'' promis, as y° sayd, w"' sutch ferv"", 
when we went vppon y^ rock, is still a lande where 
dangers and distresses must needes ov''take men. 
Yes, yes, Simon, sayd he, of a truth we must owne 
yt ye whole earth is curs'', and y' temptacions and 
dangers besett vs, in front and rear, wherev"" we goe. 
Indeed, Simon, godlie men will find y^ devill, in some 
shape, to fight, in every place ; and they must never 
put their armour off. Was not y^ vile rebel even in 
y^ gard" of Eden, where his beguilements bro' sutch 
disasters on vs all .-* And tho I doe still holde to this 
being a braive countrie, a trew land of promis, w<^'' 
will one day com to be great among y^ nations, and 
whe'in mylk and honey will freelie flow, it cannot 



32 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

escape suffering from y^ great curse. But, Simon, I 
am desperate weary, and would sleep. So we stop' 
our discourse and layd downe ; and presentlie y^ 
musick began to sounde from his great warty nose as 
loudlie as it sounded from his lipps befour, in y^ use 
of y^ psalm. 

" About midnight a horrid yell from M"" Higginson, 
^th ye prophane wordes, O y^ curs'^ snake, raysed y^ 
whole hows. And wh" he was awaked and we prest 
him to tell vs of y^ paynes or fright w'^'^ made him soe 
cry out, he sayd it was but a dream, about y^ serpent 
w'^'' I had smitten on our way ; y' he dream'' we had 
arriv' near y^ Co''te, wh" feeling something, he did 
look behinde and spy y^ vile impe hanging like a 
vip"" from y^ lower parte of his garment ; and in 
great fright he soe cry'' out as to arouse y"^ whole of 
vs. Bvt he ask^ pardon, and sayd he hoped not to 
disturb vs again. Being thus releived, we presentlie 
returned to our sleep. But I was again awak'' by 
M"" Higginson, who seiz^ me w* m'^'^ violence in his 
armes and kis'' me w"^ great fervour on y^ forehead, 
saying, O, my preserv"", thou hast indeed overcome 
y^ evill one. What, what, doth possess y° .'' cry'' I, 
rousing him ; do y^ terrours and weariness of y^ day 
so disturbe y"" rest ? O, Simon, Simon, sayd he, I 
again dream'' of y' wicked snake. I was just enfing 
y^ Co''te, and there he was quoiled in y^ path and 
about to spring vpon me, wh" there flew downe a 
beauteous bird at sight of w'^'' y^ serpent seem'' pow''- 
less. And y^ bird put hir foot vpon y^ head of y® 
serpent and held it fast to y^ earth. I gazed in won- 
der, and my wonder grew, as y^ bird, w'^'^ was more 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 33 

beauteous than I can describe, began to utter fourth 
y^ same touching notes w'' y^ Indjan mayd sang to 
vs on our way. I could not take my eyes from y^ 
bird ; and straightway it began to change, and change, 
till y^ Indjan girle stood fourth in all hir lively grace, 
w* hir proud foote vpon y^ slimy head. I but sprang 
forw^ to embrace hir, my delivr"", wh" I awoke. Simon, 
I doe beleive y* to be a good omen. So, do I, Masf 
Higginson, sayd I, and som day y° may change y"" 
notion ab^ women being sutch deludours, and may 
likewise ask my pardon for makeing my ribbs sore 
by punches w'*' y"" staff wh" pressing y"" doctrine. 
But I W^ haue a little more sleep, for y^ night is farr 
spent, and we indeed need all y^ rest we can get. 
He turn"^ ouer and was soon snoring braivelie again. 
I alsoe slept well, not wakeing til y'= day had well 
broken. 

" Wee were stirring betimes, and y^ goodwyfe had 
a lustcous meale readie, whe'of we partook w''' greedi- 
ness. Haveing seen nothing like it befour, I w'^ faine 
haue hir informe me in what manner y^ daintie dish 
was prepar'^, and of what substance. She sayd it was 
what she call'^ hastie-piidding, y' is, a pudding made 
in a hastie manner ; and it was made in this wise, as 
y*^ Indjan mayd Sunny Wave had taught hir, a few 
weeks befour, wh" she and hir fath'' call"^, to beg som 
food, haveing been oVtaken by night far from their 
lodge. First, sayd she, a kettle of clean water is put 
on y^ fire and set boyling ; then is mixt, in a gourd, 
w"' cold water, soe m"^'" Indjan corne meale as will 
thicken y^ boyling waf to a pudding, w'='^ being turn^ 
into y® kettle, and keppt boyling a few minnutes, a 
B* 3 



34 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

little sault being sturred in, it is don. And she sayd 
it was sometymes eaten w*'' milk, and sometymes w'^ 
sweet maple sapp spread vpon it ; as one might chuse ; 
children espetially loveing it abov most oth"" meat, 
and growing fat vpon it. Wee tryed it both wayes, 
and found it right toothsom ; and as it must be both 
wholsom and cheep, I doubt not y* it will m^^ prevail. 
M"" Higginson sayd y' he would like m'^'^ to take som 
to y^ Co''te to show y^ members were it not for y^ 
difficultys of carrying. 

" Wh" y"^ meale was ended, and our thankes giuen, 
we made readie to resume o"" way. Y^ dame w^ haue 
vs take a store of hir corne cake and dryed bear meat 
for our refreshm* by y^ way, and sayd shee was right 
sorrie shee had nothing whe^'w* to replenish our kegg, 
save onlie hir poor beere w^'' she was asham*^ to offer. 
Y® sorrie plight of M"" Higginson called fourth some 
merriment vpon him, w"^'^ he took in good parte. In- 
deed, tho he did make but a diverting figure, in his 
ill-fitting garm"ts, it was unseemlie to laff, consid''ing 
y^ disaster y^ occationed his being soe bedeck''. Butt 
he braivelie sayd y* he w^ goe to y^ Co''te and doe his 
duty there ev" tho he sh"^ haue to goe in that unseem- 
lie plight. 

" Bidding our hospittable entertayners fairwell, wee 
betook o'selues to our way, and fetching a compass 
about y^ ceder hills soone came to y^ fording place 
of y^ ryv"" of Sawgust. Here M*" Higginson must 
needes tarry somewh', searching among y'= bushes 
on ys fenny border for herbes sutch as might be used 
in y^ cureing of diseases, he haueing bin apprenticed 
to a London physicion, when a youth, and thinking 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 35 

y* he knew m'='' of y^ doctor his arte. And tho I did 
often certifie him, w^'^ som impacience, y' we had noe 
tyme to lose in loyfing, he would haue his owne way, 
saying y* it was ill in me to call loyfing what might 
prove of m* bennefyt in y'^ discov''ing of something 
potent in y^ releif of paynes. And hee gath'"'^ a big 
bvndle of stems and dirtie rootes, saying y' he would 
leave y"^ at som habbittacion on y*^ roade, to be tak" 
on his return e. 

" Fordeing y^ ryv"" wee did y" dillygentlie pursue 
our way, and w''^out furth'' disaster or advenf arrived 
att Trimountaine, w'='^ y^ Co'^te hath this yeare ordered 
shall hencfourth bee called Bostown, crossing y^ ryv"" 
in an Indjan canoe w"^'' Arrow lohn had readie there, 
he saying y' he W^ help y^ white men in y^ beginning 
of y"" Talk, and hoped they w'^ doe nothing against y^ 
comforts and rights of y^ Indjans. Wee tarried a 
space among y^ trees, befour comeing into y^ co''te 
howse, y* we might recov"" somewh' from o'' weariness. 
And sitting downe on a rock, wee ate y^ remainder 
of y^ savoury meat wh^v'^^ Goodwyf Bennett had sup- 
plied vs, and refresh'^ o'selues by draughts from y^ 
spring by y^ rock. 

" But presentlie heareing loude calls and a home 
blown and drum beat, as we surmiz*^ to advertise all 
y' y^ busines was aboute to beginn, we made readie 
to goe in. Butt as M"" Higginson stept ahead I was 
shock^ to see a gaping rent in his clothes, so that 
parts of his vnder garment were expos'^. I hastily 
inform^ him thereof, and he cried out, w'h much 
concerne. Bless me, bless me. O, Simon, Simon, 
what on earth shall I doe now. O, that pestigeous 



36 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

chuck ; but I am glad to be certifyed of y^ unseemlie 
appearance ; and it doth remind me of my dream on 
y^ last night. I will tuck it in, w"» care, and now 
and then give attention to y* partes lest it should 
again appeare and cause merryment vpon me in y'^ 
Co'te. Bvt O, Simon, Simon, what a figure I doe 
make in these coarse, ragged, and ill-fitting garments, 
to wh* I did in my owne daintie apparrell. Hee 
moreouer sayd hee feared y* som might be there who, 
tho olde freinds, w'^ not care to know him in sutch 
plight ; bvt goe hee w'', and doe his dutie. Butt hee 
sayd hee w^ see to it, and sit as m*^*" as possyble in 
som corner, makeing his voyce heard, if need be, bvt 
being little scene. Bvt I think he forgot this good 
resolv, for he soone seem'^ to take m* vpon himselfe, 
in Co^'te, rising often to propound matters and bobing 
abovt from place to place. And I was m^'' disturb'' 
at tymes to see memb's wh" they came nigh him hold 
their noses and snuffle as if som horrible smell was 
vpon y™, and look abovt to finde wh* it was. And 
wh" hee mov^ about, manie noses w'^ be grasp''. Bvtt 
more y° all I was alarm"^ at seeing him so neglect 
his ragged garment. Divers members, descrying his 
unseemlie rig, did make merrie ; whereupon w'"" m* 
warmth he bade y™ look some oth*" way, and saying 
y* hee w^ follow dutie rather than fash" ; and y* it 
w^ better becom some memb^'s to haue an eye in 
y^ same direcion. 

Having now brought our two members through all 
perils and dangers safely to the Court, it seems un- 
necessary to extract further from Mr. Pinion. Not 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 3/ 

much of really commanding interest or importance 
occurred in the proceedings of the Court, that day, 
the time being chiefly occupied in sorting out and 
dovetailing dry principles and details and arranging 
what may be styled the exterior appointments. The 
Court of Assistants had held several terms at Charles- 
town, before this, and pretty well regulated such mat- 
ters as required immediate attention. The discussions 
were conducted in an amicable and liberal spirit, and 
an earnest desire was manifested to establish affairs 
on a firm and just basis. And through the enlight- 
ened and pious endeavors of that assembly, no doubt 
some of those heaven-culled seeds were sown, which 
so soon sprang up and have borne blessed fruit even 
down to this day. 

It should be mentioned, however, that an evening 
session was held, at which occurrences took place 
that go still further to illustrate the perils and dis- 
turbances to which the legislators of that day were 
exposed. At this session, matters were not conducted 
in the dignified and formal manner that had charac- 
terized the doings of the day. There was rather an 
interchange of social courtesies and congratulations, 
with free discussions on affairs in general. In one or 
two instances the earnestness ran so far into person- 
ality as to produce a bloody nose ; though on the 
whole a good measure of decorum prevailed. Re- 
sorts to violence being happily unknown in legislative 
bodies in our day, it is well to remind the reader that 
our assemblies are composed of a select few, eminent 
for virtue and wisdom, while that first Court was 
composed of the whole body of freemen, and of course 



38 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

embraced some of the rougher sort, who were more 
accustomed to argue with their fists than their tongues, 
and that the fistic weapon is not so much in accord- 
ance with the taste of this wordy age. But after all, 
they had a jolly time at this evening session. 

The Colony House, as it maybe called — for the 
provincials had their Province House and we the 
post-revolutionists have our State House — made an 
attractive appearance when lighted up by numerous 
pine knots, several bushels of which had been benev- 
olently furnished by the Indians. It was in truth so 
attractive as to draw the attention of sundry forest 
denizens from their ordinary nocturnal pursuits and 
induce them to inspect, and curiously inquire about 
the erection. But the difficulties of language pre- 
vented a satisfactory discussion. Neither the bear, 
the wolf, the fox, the woodchuck, the whip-poor-will, 
the owl, nor the little cricket, could at all understand 
each other. And there was the demure animal that 
shed his fragrant favors upon Mr. Higginson in so 
interesting a manner, on the evening of his arrival at 
Mr. Bennet's — he had something to say but could 
not be understood ; and, moreover, his reputation 
was not good, for several of the others had before 
experienced the force of his odorous style of argu- 
ment. 

In the course of the evening a gentlemanly owl 
seated himself on the chimney, and peering down the 
same with his great round, glassy eyes, uttered one 
or two of those unearthly hoots which have given him 
a name among the forest gentry. The assembly was 
startled, and Mr. Higginson at once declared that 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 39 

they must be the howls of one of the lurking devils 
of whom he had caught occasional glimpses ever since 
he left Salem. Great consternation prevailed at this 
suggestion, though Mr. Pinion and others were for 
ascribing it to some wild beast. The point was 
about to be decided by vote, when a courageous indi- 
vidual slipped out to reconnoitre, and returned with 
the creature of offence flapping and floundering in 
his brawny arms. When his birdship's fears had so 
far subsided that his natural urbanity and docility 
began to assume control they took him to a tempo- 
rary perch near the speaker's table, where he remained 
with his glaring eyes as fixed as those of a sphynx, 
one of the gravest in the assembly — and one of the 
wisest, too, if silence is a mark of wisdom ; as it 
certainly is, more surely than babbling. 

It was getting rather late, when another alarm was 
occasioned by a strange pushing and scratching at 
the door. Some of the more fearless insisted that it 
must be some one who had been out, got frightened, 
and was now eagerly searching for the latch-string. 
A member who happened to be near, seized one of 
the knots then in full blaze, and instantly threw open 
the door. That knot, perhaps, saved his life ; for a 
huge bear, erect on his hind legs, and holding on by 
his left claw to the door-post, presented himself, rais- 
ing his right paw, either to shake hands, or to draw 
to him, for an affectionate hug, whoever might be 
polite enough to answer his call. The torch, however, 
proved an effectual barrier against any extraordinary 
familiarity. The others, instantly comprehending the 
condition of things, and each seizing a flaming knot, 



40 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

rushed toward the intruder and put him to flight. 
But his flight did not save him, for two or three 
loaded muskets had been brought by members, for 
protection on the way, or possibly under an apprehen- 
sion that such pursuasives might come in play during 
the debates, and these were grasped by ready hands, 
and before poor bruin could make them understand 
that only a friendly call was intended, a leaden mes- 
messenger or two had reached his vitals. And one 
profitable result of that evening session was that 
divers of the members on their return home took a 
choice joint of bear-meat. 

The foregoing account, it need not be repeated, 
relates to the first General Court held in the Colony 
of Massachusetts Bay. The Court of Assistants had, 
however, as before mentioned, previously held several 
sessions, as some matters required immediate atten- 
tion. And this seems to be the proper place to bring 
into notice a few of their proceedings, which deserve 
mention as a sort of foundation stones, indicating 
something of the intended character of the proposed 
social and political fabric. 

The very first act, then, of the very first Court held 
in the Colony — which was the Court of Assistants, 
held in Charlestown, August 23, 1630 — was to deter- 
mine "howe the ministers should be mayntayned." 
And it was " ordered, that houses should be built for 
them with convenient speede, at the publique charge." 
And on its being " propounded what should be their 
present mayntenance," it was ordered, " that M"" Phil- 
lips [Rev. George Phillips, who came over in the Ar- 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 4I 

bella with Winthrop and others,] should have allowed 
him 3 hogsheads of meale, i hogsh. of make, 4 bush- 
ells of Indean corne, i bushell of oatemeale, halfe an 
hundred of salt fishe ; for apparell and other provisions, 
xx^- or els to haue xF- giuen him in money p. ann. to 
make his owne prouisions if hee chuse it the rather." 
And " M"" Wilson [Rev. John Wilson, who also came 
over in the Arbella,] should have after xx^- p. ann. till 
his wife come ouer .... all this to be att the comon 
charge, those at Mattapan & Salem onely exempted." 
Thus it will be seen that attention was, in the very 
first instance, directed to the care of the ministers — 
religious matters taking the lead of all others. 

The next thing after providing for the ministers 
was to provide for the doctor. " It was propounded 
what should be M"" Gagers maintenance." This was 
William Gager, who came over in the fleet with Win- 
throp, and settled in Charlestown. He was a " right 
godly man and a skillfull chirurgeon." And it was 
" ordered that hee should haue a house builded him 
against the next spring ; is to haue a cowe giuen him, 
& xx^- in money for this yeare, to begin the 20th of 
June, 1630, & after, xxx''- p. ann. All this to be att 
the comon charge." Mr. Gager, however, died on the 
20th of the next September, much lamented. A 
wholesome detestation of medical quackery prevailed, 
as is abundantly shown by the recorded enactments. 
Here is an act of the Court of Assistants, March i, 
1 63 1 : " Nich : Knopp is fyned v^- for takeing vpon 
him to cure the scurvey by a water of noe worth nor 
value, which he solde att a very deare rate, to be 
imprisoned till hee pay his ffine, or giue securitye for 



42 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

it, or els to bee whipped, & shalbe lyable to any mans 
accon of whome he hath receaued money for the s^ 
water." Were such punishment awarded now-a-days 
to medical quackery, probably that branch of the fine 
arts would not flourish so vigorously. 

Lawyers appear to have been overlooked in the dis- 
tribution of favors at this time. They seem always 
to have been deemed a class either not worthy of 
public protection, or else able to take care of them- 
selves. As I intend to indulge in a few remarks 
touching the legal profession, and the practitioners 
therein, in another part of this volume, not much 
need be said here. An honest lawyer is certainly 
one of the most useful members of a community, 
though his sphere of duty lies in quite a different 
direction from that of the minister or physician. All 
three, however, are in a certain sense doctors — the 
minister practising among diseased souls, the physi- 
cian among diseased bodies, and the lawyer among 
diseased estates. So by the combined three, diseases 
of soul, body, and estate, are provided for. Many 
affect to look upon the legal profession as a foster- 
school of all sorts of knavery and quibbling. But it 
is quite safe to conclude that those who never can 
believe others to be honest are themselves dishonest. 
However, the prejudice against lawyers, as a body, 
is, after all, but skin-deep, for no class, in fact, is 
treated with greater respect. People are most sensi- 
tive about the things they deem of the greatest im- 
portance ; and we should hear no more talk about 
the knavery of lawyers than about the knavery of 
ministers or doctors, were it not that with most peo- 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE, 43 

pie the health of the purse is esteemed above the 
health of soul or body. If there is an apparent shade 
of inconsistency in some of these remarks it should 
not be forgotten that consistency is but a dim jewel 
and should never be suffered to out-brazen truth. 

Though lawyers were overlooked by this early 
Court, a little something was done for the judiciary 
by way of orders respecting the holding of courts, 
issuing of processes, and so forth. It was also " or- 
dered that James Pen should haue 20 nobles p. ann. 
& a dayes worke of a man att springe, from euery 
able famyly, to help build his house .... His im- 
ployment to be as a beadle to attend vpon the Goun'', 
and alwaies to be ready to execute his comands in 
publique businesses." So far judicial matters were 
attended to. And it is not necessary now to spend 
more time with the Court of Assistants. 



It is meet, before concluding this, in some sense 
preliminary chapter, to take one step back, in time, 
and one stride to the other side of the ocean ; for it 
was on the i ith of June, 1629, that a " GeiVall Court " 
for the " Company of the Mattachusetts Bay in New 
England," was held in London. And this seems to 
have been the first assembly, under the name of Gen- 
eral Court, ever convened for deliberation on matters 
pertaining to this then savage little patch of the 
Creator's footstool. Between that date and the time 
of the transfer of the colonial patent and government 
to America, which was the next year, several other 
sessions were held in London. 

Returning from over the water, it is proper further 



44 I- HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

to remind the reader that down to the year 1634, the 
whole body of freemen constituted the General Court. 
But to become a freeman it was necessary to take 
what was called the freeman's oath, an oath by which 
they bound themselves to be faithful subjects of 
the commonwealth — yielding assistance and support 
thereto by person and estate — endeavoring to main- 
tain all the liberties thereof — submitting to its whole- 
some laws and orders — avoiding all plots and evil 
practices against it — giving votes and suffrages in 
good faith and under a conscientious endeavor to 
promote the public weal — and doing all "without 
respect to persons or favor of any man " — with 
sundry other provisions, tending to the same end, 
which the loyal citizens of this day delight to fulfill 
without the obligations of an oath. 

There was presently, however, a little hedge erected 
around this freemanship to keep obnoxious individuals 
from its privileges — ' such as a requisition for the 
candidate to be of fair moral character, and a member 
of some church in good puritanical standing. This 
hedge was trimmed up a little, in 1664, by a royal 
order. But the custom of qualifying freemen did not 
fall into entire disuse before i68g. Those who did 
not take the oath were called residents. The age at 
which one was capacitated to take the oath appears 
in the following order, passed by the Court, March 4, 
1645 : "It is ordered that the fifreemans oath shalbe 
gyven to every man of or above the age of 16 yeares, 
the clause for eleccon of magistrates onely excepted." 
Among the chief incidents to the position of freeman, 
was the ri^ht to hold office and vote for rulers. And 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 45 

inasmuch as it is found that many worthy individuals 
did not take the oath, we are led to the conclusion 
that people were not then so ravenous for office as 
they now are ; perhaps because the emoluments were 
not so tempting or the prospect for successful pecula- 
tion not so promising. The government was then 
but an unfledged gosling, and many years were 
required for it to become the fat goose we now find 
it, so inviting to the numerous enterprising hands 
thrust out to pluck a golden feather or two. 

The whole body of freemen, being members of the 
General Court, were required to repair to Boston, as 
the stated terms came round, to attend to their duties, 
which took an amazingly wide range, embracing, in 
fact, the electoral, legislative, judicial, and a savor of 
the executive. But even as early as 1634 it was 
found quite inconvenient to have all the freemen 
attend together. The number was now so great that 
it was difficult to find suitable accommodations. True, 
in pleasant weather the sessions might be held in the 
open air, after the manner of the Icelandic councils ; 
but stormy weather and cold would come, notwith- 
standing the fixed order of the Court that all the 
ministers should, for three successive Sundays imme- 
diately preceding each of the regular sessions, pray 
for serene skies. 

Another thing that rendered the assembling of all 
the freemen inconvenient, was that some, disregard- 
ing their oaths, and having no respect for themselves 
or tenderness for the honor of the community of which 
they were members, would get boosy, and stir up 
mischief generally, to the great scandal of their con- 



46 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

stituents and evil example to their virtuous Indian 
neighbors. Others, whose love of fun overbalanced 
all their other good qualities, without any apparent 
appreciation of their responsibilities, would go in for 
a jolly time, by a spontaneous movement, converting 
the proceedings into a mere mockery ; so that half a 
session might be spent in a hilarious jumble, such as 
the dignified legislators of our day would scorn to 
countenance, even during the expiring moments of a 
protracted term. Fun is good enough in its place ; 
but it is apt to get the upper hand of those who give 
it encouragement ; and your funny legislator is simply 
a bore and an unfaithful servant of his constituency. 

It is apparent, after all that may be said in favor 
of a general representation, that where a few are 
chosen to represent the many, those few are usually 
respectable — eminent, perhaps — as the reader may 
determine for himself, by looking around among such 
of his neighbors as have been made representatives. 
One thing, certainly, is quite evident and that is, 
that if in representation by the few you do not happen 
to get the best, you are pretty sure not to get the 
worst ; whereas, if you have the whole you are sure 
to have the worst. I know very well, that the greater 
the number the more difficult it is for wire-pullers to 
manage their muflfled strings. But we need entertain 
no apprehensions on that score in this virtuous age 
when the villanies of wire-pulling are unknown. 

In 1634, then, the election of Deputies, or Repre- 
sentatives, by the several settlements, was resorted 
to. And that year the General Court consisted of 
the Governor, Deputy Governor, six Assistants — or 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 4/ 

Counsellors, as the latter were sometimes called, 
though their sphere of duty took a wider range than 
that of the Counsellors of later date, embracing con- 
siderable of the judicial element — and twenty-four 
Representatives. Boston, Cambridge, Charlestown, 
Dorchester, Lynn, Roxbury, Salem, and Watertown, 
were each represented by three men, good and true, 
chosen by their respective freemen ; all of acknow- 
ledged piety and gravity of character — the genuine 
gravity, arising from a just appreciation of responsibil- 
ity, and not that now very common kind arising from 
mere brain-laziness. And what a cozy little General 
Court that must have been. 

It may not be untenable to assume that in the 
history of the General Court of our beloved old Com- 
monwealth, is embodied a history of the progress of 
civil liberty and enlightened legislation in this blissful 
land. The development of some of the most precious 
of the great principles which elevate the individual as 
well as aggrandize the collective body, may assuredly 
be traced, step by step, in the doings of that sturdy 
assembly. Yet there were many apparently absurd, 
oppressive, and dangerous enactments in the early 
days — unaccountable lapses and deviations. It is 
fashionable with many to hold up to ridicule the 
quaint orders and appointments of the early sessions. 
But if our modern legislation were always as sensible, 
direct, and well adapted to the end in view, as was 
that of the ancients, the disparaging epithets would 
be more seemly. And it is fashionable with others to 
give a very bad name to the industrious, economical, 



48 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

and modest bodies that now annually convene in the 
domed edifice on Beacon hill. Both classes must be 
left to determine for themselves whether the ancient 
or modern legislators have the best title to be called 
honest, able, and patriotic. This, however, may be 
said — that strife for personal aggrandizement and 
mere party ends, has at times made sad havoc with 
the noblest principles and most sacred trusts. And, 
hit where it will, I cannot resist the temptation to 
here quote a brief compliment paid by the venerable 
Dr. Chauncey to the Legislature in 1747, a period 
about midway between the ancient and modern of our 
legislative history : " If I wanted to initiate and in- 
struct a person in all kinds of iniquity and double- 
dealing, I would send him to the General Court." 

It is not my purpose in this volume to attempt to 
trace the development of principles so much as to 
illustrate the condition of things. And I consider 
myself free to adopt just such a course of remark 
and style of elucidation as seem best suited to the 
purpose. It is not improbable that the reader will 
find, as he proceeds, in singular or even grotesque 
association some names that he has been accustomed 
to find associated only with transactions the most 
dignified and weighty. Some of the old worthies 
whom he has been wont to behold only in their flow- 
ing wigs and robes of state, he may see appear in 
their meaner habiliments. But he will remember 
that all have their every-day side, which, indeed, is 
the most natural, and for our purpose may often prove 
the most useful. John Endicott, for instance, was as 
much John Endicott in his homespun raiment and 



I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 49 

with his sunburnt arms loaded with dried cod-fish, as 
he was in his velvet skull-cap, big wig, broad ruffles, 
and embroidered gloves — if, indeed, he and divers 
others of the colonial worthies were not indebted to 
the generosity of the painter for much of the courtly 
apparel in which they are made to shine on canvas 
to the awe of little legislators and the admiration of 
their own posterity. The honest art of photography, 
that uncorruptible revealer of warty noses and sinister 
eyes had not been discovered. 

It would be highly desirable to present the reader 
with a pictorial illustration of the ancient assembly to 
which this chapter chiefly relates — the first General 
Court in the Bay Colony — all in their ancient costume 
and ancient surroundings. I fully appreciate the want, 
and readily promise that in a future edition it shall be 
supplied should the sale of this prove sufficiently 
remunerative. A proper reverence for ancestors has 
always, even among barbarous people, been consid- 
ered a most valuable trait of character ; and he who 
has no respect for his ancestry has no claim to the 
respect of posterity. It is to be lamented that the 
blessed art of photography, just referred to, had not 
been discovered when this Court convened, for had it 
been, we perhaps might now be in possession of the 
very ghosts of those legislative fathers, marshalled in 
artistic array upon the sunny side of their shabby 
little council-house, or ranged on the oaken benches 
of the interior, with perhaps the Indian chief Arrow 
John in the back-ground, and the beaming little 
Sunny Wave by his side ; he looking on in impassive 
c 4 



50 I. HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. 

seriousness, and she radiant with mirthful curiosity. 
Perhaps, likewise, somewhere in the distance the 
frowning windmill might appear, with its red cap and 
broad arms, a terror to all evil-disposed Indians, who 
imagined it to be some terrible engine of war. And 
there, too, a pile of the salted cod-fish lying by the 
picturesque flakes, might, perchance, be seen. Nat- 
uralists declare that fish diet makes brains ; and by 
that, possibly, we may account for the fact that our 
fathers were so liberally endowed in their intellectual 
head quarters. And by the same token it may be 
suggested that some of those who are now-a-days 
elected to seats in our legislative hall, and in their 
spare moments reverently twist their necks to con- 
template the piscine image there suspended, would be 
benefitted by giving heed to this important declara- 
tion of the naturalists. I do not know what particular 
effect the salt may have, though it may form a sea- 
soning and preserving deposit, as we sometimes hear 
favorable mention of " attic salt." 



CHAPTER II. 



SHINING LIGHTS. 

JOHN HUMFREY. 

ONE of the most energetic and useful members 
of the Court in its infant days, was John 
HuMFREY. All who have had occasion to peruse 
the Colony Records, or who, indeed, have become 
in any way acquainted with the early history of 
Massachusetts, are familiar with his name. He took 
a lively interest in the establishment of the Colony, 
and was an original member and treasurer of the 
Company. Before the government and patent were 
removed to America, he was' chosen Deputy Govern- 
or ; but the records of the Court of Assistants held 
on board the Arbella, March 23, 1629, just before she 
sailed with the company of settlers, state that he, 
" in regard hee was to stay behinde in England was 
discharged of his Deputy-shipp & M"" Thomas Dudley 
chosen Deputy in his place." 

Mr. Humfrey was a native of Dorchester, belonged 
to a good family, was a lawyer by profession, and 
possessed a considerable estate. He arrived here 
early in the summer of 1634, and immediately located 
on what is now the east side of Nahant street, in 

(51) 



52 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

Lynn, a pleasant thoroughfare which leads directly on 
to the beautiful beach, that remarkable line of com- 
pact sand, which, like a glittering cable holds Nahant 
fast-bound to the main land ; a vicinity which has 
now become a favorite point of attraction to the lover 
of nature, by its glowing scenery, landscape and ma- 
rine, and by its curious deposits. And the invigora- 
ting breezes and renovating waters of that charming 
locality render it peculiarly grateful to the languishing 
in health. 

The Court had made Mr. Humfrey a considerable 
grant of land in this neighborhood, and here he estab- 
lished his farm. He brought with him divers valuable 
presents for the settlers ; among them fifteen heifers, 
the gift of Richard Andrews, an alderman of London ; 
one for each of the eight ministers, and the remaining 
seven for the poor. He likewise brought guns and 
ammunition for the public defense. Also some cate- 
chisms. 

Immediately after his arrival, Mr. Humfrey's ser- 
vices were required in the General Court. He was 
called to the responsible and honorable position of 
Assistant, and continued in office as long as he re- 
mained in the country. He was a shining light of the 
Court ; highly efficient, and much esteemed for his 
affability and respected for his acquirements. Quite 
large donations were made to him in acknowledgment 
of his public services. Among the gifts of extensive 
tracts of land, he received many acres along the shores 
of Swampscott ; acres which are now of great value 
as sites for the villas and cottages of the children of 
fortune who, during the warm season, resort in great 



JOHN HUMFREY. 53 

numbers to that beautiful vicinage which is among the 
most charming on the whole American coast. He 
also received a grant of that lovely sheet of water, 
still known as " Humfrey's Pond," which nestles so 
quietly among the green hills, some half a dozen 
miles inland, upon the border of Peabody. These 
things show that Mr, Humfrey was held in high esti- 
mation. But he was an ambitious man, and we must 
believe, destitute of that moral heroism which recoils 
at no demand of duty, and meets, undismayed, the 
sterner severities of fortune. A restless desire to lay 
the foundations of lordly families seems not to have 
been uncommon among those who emigrated to New 
England at that period — if, indeed, the desire is not 
a characteristic of the English mind at all times — 
and hence the grants of lands and immunities were 
much coveted. It is not easy to divest the mind of the 
belief that Mr. Humfrey started with some such am- 
bitious yearning ; and when the disasters to his fortune 
occurred, and the terrible domestic calamities over- 
took him — when all his bright hopes had been extin- 
guished — he was miserable indeed. His lamentations 
over his ruin were deep and extremely touching ; but 
the most proud and self-sufficient, under the heavier 
strokes of adversity, often become softened and sen- 
timental. 

That Mr. Humfrey possessed a benevolent heart 
and generous hand cannot be denied. Nor can we 
doubt that he had a true parental anxiety for the 
welfare of his offspring. But yet there is something 
mysterious connected with his affecting family history. 
It seems impossible to justify that lack of common 



54 II- SHINING LIGHTS. 

watchfulness over his httle ones which under all 
ordinary circumstances must have detected the villa- 
nies committed almost beneath his own roof, and 
continued over many months. Winthrop, indeed, 
speaks of him as having " much neglected his chil- 
dren, leaving them among a company of rude serv- 
ants." And how can we justify his leaving his little 
daughters as he did when he returned to England — 
deserting them, in fact. Much, no doubt, is to be 
attributed to the inconsiderate longings of his home- 
sick wife. But the unreasonable importunities of a 
homesick or otherwise afflicted wife ought not to 
have driven him from his stern duties to his children. 

A man may possess many excellent traits and yet 
be very far from a perfect character. And while it 
is quite apparent that Mr. Humfrey has never been 
duly honored in history for his eminent public ser- 
vices, for his labors and sacrifices in behalf of the 
infant Bay Colony, it is also quite apparent that he 
cannot be pointed to as one worthy of imitation in all 
respects. 

Mr. Humfrey was something of a military man. 
As early as 1635, the year after his arrival, he was 
appointed by the Court a member of the committee 
on military affairs, which body consisted of the Gov- 
ernor and six other first class dignitaries, it being a 
committee of real importance. In the great Pequot 
war he took a deep interest, though he was not actively 
engaged in any campaign ; and there is extant a let- 
ter of his, to Governor Winthrop, written after some 
material successes of the colonial soldiery, which 
indicates such a sense of the rights of the Indians, 



JOHN HUMFREY. 55 

and such a broad spirit of humanity, that we must 
lament that views Hke his did not more generally 
prevail. In 1640 he became a member of what is 
now the Ancient and Honorable Artillery. And in 
June, 1 641, the Court appointed him sergeant major 
general, and gave him command of all the militia in 
the county. 

It has been remarked that as a member of the 
Court Mr. Humfrey was highly esteemed ; and very 
few were more influential ; yet it is found that in 
1635, by the Court of Assistants, he was "fhned 
x-^- for his absence from y^ Court." This fine, how- 
ever, was remitted by the General Court, in 1638 — 
a singularly long time, by the way, after it was im- 
posed — though they, in their turn, fined him, during 
the same year, five shillings, for " absence when the 
Court was called." These facts show that the Court 
required that members, whatever their condition or 
inclinations, should be at the post of duty. Could 
examples shine retrospectively it might be concluded 
that the industry and promptness of our legislators had 
exerted a happy influence. But worse than all, some 
slanderers have declared that if half the members of 
the legislature, as it has of late years been composed, 
would keep away half the time, they would do more 
to advance the public interest than they could possi- 
bly do in any other way. Out upon such unsavory 
vilifiers. 

I am inclined to think Mr. Humfrey was no great 
of an orator, as I find Mr. Pinion saying, " lohn Bloud 
was censur^ to stand two houres in y^ pillowrie for 
saying in y^ presence of sev"^! y' hee W^ as leave heare 



56 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

M"" Humfree his wind-mill creake, as to heare himselfe 
speake, itt being y* to his eares a creake was as good 
as a wheeze." I hope he did not have the asthma 
added to his other afflictions. If he had, and John 
Blood intended to twit him of it, he ought to have 
had his ears nailed to the pillory. But no matter if 
Mr. Humfrey was not an orator ; he certainly had 
great influence in the debates. The orators are not 
usually the most influential members of deliberative 
assemblies — far from it. A clear and simple state- 
ment, no matter if it is a little halting, backed by 
good common sense and a comprehensive view of the 
subject, accomplishes more than all your pyrotechnic 
oratory ; for the wordy attraction is itself liable to 
draw the minds of the listeners from the subject to 
the speaker ; and when he is done, where are they — 
the generality of such as compose our legislatures. 

If the few glimpses that have been given of the 
disposition and experiences of Mr. Humfrey be true, 
the conclusion would follow that he was one who 
could not have much enjoyed life. Defeated ambition 
and wounded pride ; the loss of worldly substance 
and domestic affliction, altogether, must have imposed 
a grievous burden upon him ; and nothing but a strong 
christian faith could have sustained him. Among his 
disappointments was that of seeing the youthful Vane 
take precedence of him as governor of the Colony ; 
and then came the frustration of his hopes of a gov- 
ernorship in the West Indies. Indeed most of his 
higher political aspirations seem to have miscarried ; 
nor in his great business projects does he seem to 
have been more successful. He certainly would have 



JOHN HUMFREY. 57 

been justly entitled to be called an unfortunate man, 
even had a kind providence not required him to drink 
so deeply of the cup of domestic affliction. 

Mr. Humfrey's wife was Lady Susan, the second 
daughter of the Earl of Lincoln, and was, I am in- 
clined to think, not of the highest order of female 
excellence. It is evident that she became intensely 
homesick soon after her arrival here, and sighed for a 
return to the elegances of the life in which she had 
been bred. It can readily be imagined that the con- 
trast between the scenes in which she had been 
nurtured and those by which she was encompassed 
on these bleak shores, was not calculated to inspire a 
very high appreciation of the present or pleasing 
anticipation of the future. She had come from the 
abode of refinement and luxury into an inhospitable 
wilderness. The climate was rigorous, the soil unsub- 
dued. Around her rude habitation the savage lurked 
and the wild beast howled. She longed for the society 
of those she had been accustomed to meet in the sweet 
companionship of social life, and was almost entirely 
deprived of any opportunity for an interchange of the 
common sympathies and civilities that every refined 
heart so craves. It is not therefore to be wondered 
at that when from the door-stone of her humble home 
she looked out upon the bright rolling sea, beyond 
which lay the brighter home of her earlier days, she 
should feel lonely and sad. But nothing can afford 
a justification of her making her husband's home 
miserable. And her hasty departure, leaving her 
ill-fated offspring to the rigors of a cold world, can 
hardly admit of any possible excuse. Allowing that 
c* 



58 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

she did, as Mather says, belong to " the best family 
of any nobleman then in England," does that exempt 
her from the sacred duties of a wife or mother .'' to 
say nothing of the common affections of our nature. 
Nay, is it not reasonable to expect from one to whom 
so much had been given even more than an ordinary 
return of loving-kindness .-' It is in the power of 
woman to make home happy or miserable. Under 
her warm smiles the affections of the household bud 
and blossom. But if she yields to the instigation of 
the evil one, and sets herself to harass by her discon- 
tents and jealousies, all joy and comfort are driven 
out of doors.* 

The calamities that overtook the little daughters 

* It is perfectly natural to compare Mrs. Humfrey unfavorably with 
another lady of high birth, who lived in the same neighborhood. I 
allude to Mrs. Whiting, wife of the Rev. Samuel Whiting. She was 
a sister of Chief Justice St. John, and could trace her pedigree, in two 
distinct lines, straight to William the Conqueror. Indeed she could 
boast of direct descent from Canute, the famous Danish sovereign, 
whose unsuccessful command to the waves of the sea, has been so 
long celebrated as a lesson damaging to conceit and obsequious flattery. 
She came, with her husband, in 1636, and remained till her death, in 
1677, energetically supporting him in his arduous duties, and lovingly 
cleaving to him in sickness and every other ill. In this then com- 
parative wilderness she reared a most worthy family ; and some 
eminent descendants still do honor to her memory. She was, indeed, 
one of the noble New England mothers of whom we delight to read. 
Like a true heroine, she seems never to have permitted yearnings for 
the sumptuous home of her early life, to swerve her from the path of 
duty or even to depress her spirits. With Lady Humfrey she was 
undoubtedly intimate, as but a short walk lay between their residences ; 
and having been reared in the same cultivated society they may well 
be supposed to have enjoyed each other's company. Why the cheerful- 
ness of the one failed to dispel the gloom of the other, may, perhaps, 
be accounted for by the evident divergence in their natural traits of 
character. 



JOHN HUMFREY. 5g 

of Mr. Humfrey, Dorcas and Sarah, can never fail to 
excite the most ardent pity for them, and the deepest 
indignation towards those who laid their baneful hands 
upon them. It cannot be considered even probable 
that either of the parents, when they left the country, 
had one shadow of suspicion of the "wickedness," 
as the records of the Court term it, which had been 
practised on their daughters ; and we can readily 
believe, reasoning from the plainest dictates of parental 
duty, that they intended presently to send for them — 
though where is the evidence .'' Could it have been 
that after the developments were made, they concluded 
to abandon their offspring to their fate ? Of true and 
loving parents one would have expected a different 
account. It must be admitted that the conduct of the 
girls themselves merited censure, for by the Court, 
June 14, 1642, "Dorcas Humfrey was ordered to bee 
privately severely corrected by this Co^ M"" Belling- 
ham & Increase Nowell to see it done." But Dorcas 
was then only about nine years of age, and Sarah 
still younger — both beneath the age when consent 
to any gross vice could be presumed — and it was hard 
to treat them as really abandoned. 

It is painful to dwell on such a subject ; but it 
would be hardly proper to quit here without a further 
remark or two. It was in 1641 that it was discovered 
that one Daniel Fairfield, who Winthrop says was a 
half Dutchman, about forty years of age, dwelling 
not far from the farm of Mr. Humfrey, had gained 
such an influence over Dorcas, that she often went to 
his house, and was there abused by him, especially 
on Sundays and lecture-days. There was also a 



60 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

John Hudson, " a lusty young man," as the author 
just quoted styles him, " an household servant to Mr. 
Humfrey, who working sometimes at the farm, the 

elder girl being there 

he abused her, she being then about 

eight years of age." Then there was one Jenkin 
Davis, of Lynn, to whom the girls were afterward put 
to board and school. He had been employed by Mr. 
Humfrey, was a member of the Lynn church, " and 
in good esteem for piety and sobriety." This hypo- 
crite also abused one or both of the children, contin- 
uing, as Winthrop says, " this wicked course near a 
year but with much striving against the temptation, 
so as he would oft entreat his wife, when she went 
forth, to carry the children with her, and put up a 
bill to the elders, to pray for one who was strongly 
tempted to a foul sin." There was certainly some- 
thing extraordinary in the prolonged reticence of 
these children ; something that seems to indicate 
either intellectual deficiency or a premature tendency 
to vice coupled with most singular shrewdness. The 
historian just quoted further adds that Dorcas finally 
also accused two of her own brothers of improper 
conduct with her. But the boys were so young that 
only private correction was adjudged them. 

The great offenders — Fairfield, Hudson and Da- 
vis — made confession of their crimes, and the cases 
came up for judgment in the General Court. Here a 
great debate arose as to the legal quality of the offence, 
and whether the punishment of death could be award- 
ed. A great fire was kindled which blazed all over 
the Colony, and indeed extended to the other colonies. 



JOHN HUMFREY, 6l 

The Court sought " to know the mind of God by the 
help of all the elders of the country, both our own, 
and Plymouth, and Connecticut, New Haven, &c. 
They took it into consideration divers months, and at 
last returned different answers." The simple legal 
questions seem to have been debated on principles 
similar to those recognized as governing like questions 
at this day ; but there was so much of the Levitical 
law brought to bear, that great perplexity was occa- 
sioned. A result, however, was finally reached, and 
a punishment awarded which appears like a queer 
sort of compromise. " The help of the elders," says 
Winthrop, " being presented to the General Court, 
held in the 3 month [May] 1642, the Court proceeded 
against the said offenders, (Mr. Winthrop being again 
chosen Governor at this Court, and Mr. Thomas Flint 
of Concord newly elected to be an Assistant, so as 
there were now in all nine magistrates.) The Court 
was much divided about the sentence. The foulness 
of the sin, and their long continuance in it, wrought 
strongly with many to put them to death, (especially 
Fairfield ;) but after much dispute, (and some remain- 
ing doubtful,) the Court agreed upon another sentence. 
The only reason that saved their lives, was, that the 
sin was not capital by any express law of God, but to 
be drawn only by proportion ; nor was it made capital 
by any law of our own, so as we had no warrant to 
put them to death, and we had formerly refrained (by 
the advice of the elders) upon the same ground," in 
another case. 

This was the sentence of Fairfield : 

" The Co''t therefore agreed that this aforenamed 



62 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

Dan : Fairfeild shalbee severely whiped at Boston 
the next lecture day, & have one of his nostrills slit 
so high as may well bee, & then to bee seared and 
kept in prison till hee bee fit to bee sent to Salem, 
and then to be whiped againe, & have the other nos- 
trill slit & seared ; then fi.irther hee is to bee confined 
to Boston neck, so as if hee bee found at any time 
dureing his life to go out of Boston neck, that is, 
beyond the railes towards Roxberry, or beyond the 
low water marke, hee shalbee put to death upon due 
conviction thereof; and hee is also to weare a hempen 
roape about his neck, the end of it hanging out two 
foote at least, & so often as he shalbe found abroad 
w^'out it, hee shalbee whiped ; & if hee shall at any 
time hearafter attempt to abuse any person as form- 
erly, hee shall bee put to death, upon due conviction ; 
and hee is to pay M'' Humfrey forty pounds." [Court 
Records, June 14, 1642. 

A year or two after, however, he was " alowed to 
go to work w'''in any part of Boston lymits, both in 
the Hands and elsewhere, and also at Roxberry, so as 
hee go not above five miles from Boston meeting 
house." And by the Court on the 2d of May, 1649, 
on the petition of Elizabeth his wife, leave was granted 
for " her husband, shee and their children, to depart 
out of this jurisdiction into such other parts of the 
world as it shall please God to dispose ; provided that 
her husband shall be under his former censure if hee 
returne hith' againe." But they do not appear to 
have availed themselves of this liberty to depart ; or 
if they did they must have soon returned, for on the 
27th of May, 1652, the Court on another petition of 



JOHN HUMFREY. 63 

the wife, give him leave " to lay the rope aside." 
Finally, on the 14th of October, 1656, "Daniel Fayr- 
feild, vpon his petition to this Court, hath libty to 
goe for England in one of these shipps now bound 
thither ; provided if he come agayne he shall forth w"^ 
returne to the same condition agayn as now he is in, 
& be comitted forthw^'^ to prison." 

This was the sentence of Hudson : 

" John Hudson, for abuseing the said Dorcas, was 
ordered to bee severely whiped at Boston the next 
lecture day, and shalbee returned to prison till hee 
may bee sent to Salem & there to bee severely whiped 
againe ; & hee shall pay unto M"" Humfrey for abuse- 
ing his daughter, twenty pounds w*'^in these two 
yeares. [Court Records, June 14, 1642. 

At the same Court, Davis received sentence as 
follows : 

"Jenkin Davies, for his abuseing the forenamed 
Dorcas, was ordered to bee severely whiped at Boston 
on a lecture day, & shalbe returned to prison till hee 
may bee sent to Linne, & there to bee severely whiped 
also, & from thencefourth shalbee confined to the said 
towne of Linne, so as if he shall at any time go fourth 
of the bounds of the said towne, (w'^out licence of this 
Co^) & shalbee duely convict thereof, hee shalbee 
put to death ; & also hee shall weare an hempen roape 
apparently about his neck dureing the pleasure of this 
Co''t, so as if hee bee found to have gone abroad at 
any time w^'^out it, hee shalbee againe whiped ; & 
furth'', if hee shalbee duely convicted to have attempt- 
ed any such wickednes (for w*^^ hee is now sentenced) 
upon any child after this present day, hee shalbee put 



64 II- SHINING LIGHTS. 

to death ; & hee is to pay forty pounds to M"" Humfrey 
for abuseing his daughter." 

On the 17th of October, 1643, the Court, "upon 
his wifes petition," grant Davis hberty " to leave of 
his roape dureing the Co''ts pleasure." The sentence, 
it will be recollected, was given by the General Court, 
June 14, 1642. Before that time he was imprisoned 
for safe-keeping ; but on the loth of December, 1641, 
the Court granted that " If two sufficient men will 
give 100/. bond a peece for Jenkin Davies, they may 
have him for a time ; or if other two honest men will 
be bound for him, body for body, for ten dayes, keep- 
ing a lock upon his leg, or other irons, & then to 
returne him to the prison." 

These abandoned men, according to Winthrop, 
received their punishment, the whippings consisting 
of nearly forty stripes, very patiently, and without 
complaining, and acknowledged that the penalty was 
less than their offences merited. 

And now, after this painful narration, who will 
deny that Mr. Humfrey had sufficient to make his 
life very miserable. It is quite evident that long 
before he died his heart was almost broken. In a 
letter to Governor Winthrop, dated September 4th, 
1646, he says : " It is true, the want of that lost occa- 
sion, the loss of all I had in the world, doth, upon 
rubbings of that irreparable blow, sometimes a little 
trouble me ; but in no respect equal to this, that I 
see my hopes and possibilities of ever enjoying those 
I did or was willing to suffer any thing for, utterly 
taken away. But by what intermediate hand soever 
this has befallen me, whose neglects and unkindness 



JOHN HUMFREY. 6$ 

God I hope will mind them for their good, yet I desire 
to look at his hand for good I doubt not to me, though 
I do not so fully see which way it may work. Sir, I 
thank you, again and again, and that in sincerity, for 
any fruits of your goodness to me and mine ; and for 
any thing contrary, I bless his name, I labor to forget, 
and desire him to pardon." 

As before stated, Mr. Humfrey located on what is 
now Nahant street, in Lynn. His house stood on 
rising ground, a few rods from the sea. The situation 
was romantic in the extreme, and quite wild, as the 
foot of Improvement had hardly begun to invade the 
domain of Nature. A grand view was afforded of the 
indented shore, of the romantic peninsula of Nahant, 
then thickly wooded, and of the picturesque islands 
of Boston bay. And, stretching far off to the east, 
lay the illimitable ocean, a broad expanse of blue, 
not, as now, dotted by the white sails nor marked by 
the trailing steam-clouds of commerce ; while inland 
stretched the grove-studded plains, with here and 
there the smoke of a habitation curling up ; and be- 
yond, the rock-ribbed, pine-clad hills. In the calm 
sunshine of a summer day a scene of indescribable 
quietude and beauty was presented. But when the 
storm-winds bellowed among those rocky indentations 
and the mountain billows shook the jagged cliffs to 
their very foundations ; when the yesty waves surged 
furiously over the yielding beaches, and the powerless 
sea-birds were driven shrieking towards the inland 
hills ; when the whole landscape became dim and weird 
in the drifting clouds of ocean spray ; when the blasts 
made havoc among the gnarled giants of the forest, 

5 



66 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

and the wild beasts in terror quit their fastnesses and 
drew nearer to the lonely habitations of the settlers ; 
then it was that thoughts of the happy homes beyond 
the dark waves might well come up, creating gloom 
and despondency. 

A few rods from his house, on the summit of a 
neighboring hill, Mr. Humfrey erected a wind-mill, in 
1636. Mills were of the first importance, at that 
period. Indeed, if any one will take pains to look 
well into the history of civilization itself, and trace 
out the effects of certain inventions, he will be con- 
strained almost to declare that the emergence from 
barbarism is to be attributed to mills ; he certainly 
will perceive that they were at least essential aids to 
civilization. Indian corn furnished a material portion 
of the food of the settlers, and they required mills for 
the grinding. The Indians had but few arts that the 
settlers found it profitable to adopt ; and their custom 
of cracking corn by hand was surely not to be followed 
by those whose time was of any value, or who had 
ever seen a mill of even the rudest construction. 

It was amusing to observe with what different emo- 
tions the Indians who came in sight of this wind-mill, 
on their way to the beaches with their clam baskets, 
viewed the formidable structure. Most of them sup- 
posed it to be a warlike erection. But some thought 
it was designed for recreation — a sort of revolving 
swing, perhaps. This last supposition Arrow John 
evidently entertained as he discovered it one morning, 
while coming along with his daughter Sunny Wave. 
" Ugh, ugh ! " he ejaculated ; " white man's wind cart ; 
now little squaw have ride." At this he seized her, 



JOHN HUMFREY, 6/ 

and managed to plant himself, with her at his side, on 
one of the arms. It moved very slowly in the light 
breeze, or the feat would have been impossible. The 
additional weight, or a sudden lull, caused a moment- 
ary check in the revolutions. And the lazy miller, 
who happened by accident to be at his post, perceived 
the hitch and ran out to ascertain the cause. There 
he beheld the two riders with their heads just turning 
downward, and clinging on, with all their might, to 
prevent being dashed to the earth. He was utterly 
amazed, but still had discretion enough to rush back 
and stop the machinery as soon as he perceived that 
they could safely land. They came down from their 
airing nearly unharmed, but with no desire for another 
trip in Mr. Humfrey's " wind cart." They were taken 
into the house and provided with a good breakfast. 
The miller then took them back to the mill and ex- 
plained the mysteries of its use and operation. And 
when the Indian had arrived at a partial understand- 
ing of the wonderful thing, he stood meditatively at the 
door, a few minutes and then as he turned away, in 
his impressive gutturals ejaculated, "Ugh, ugh! white 
man great ; make water work ; make wind work ; 
make um grind ; like to ground up Indjans ; ugh ! " 
And ever after, the mill was to him an object of pro- 
found meditation. He would sit on a neighboring 
hill and contemplate it for hours, as it swung its great 
arms in the breeze, evidently feeling himself incapable 
of fully grasping the whole mystery of its being. But 
poor little Sunny Wave was terror stricken when 
she heard Mr. Humfrey tell the miller that he must 
have a sack of Indian meal ready ground for a neigh- 



68 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

bor against he called in the morning. In her inno- 
cence she supposed that indian meal must be ground 
Indian ; and apprehending that she and her father 
might be put in the hopper to supply the neighbor's 
grist, frantically besought him to depart with her. 
The roguish miller laughed immoderately at her 
fright, and by sundry gestures increased her distress. 
Her father thereupon became excessively angry and 
would have done serious mischief but for the timely 
interposition of Mr. Humfrey, who knocked the miller 
over, before their faces. By degrees she became calm, 
and within an hour was sporting with the good man's 
daughters on the verdant patch that stretched down 
from the base of the mill. And on many occasions 
after her singular introduction did she gambol with 
those ill-fated girls, there and on the neighboring 
heights, all unconscious of the dark destiny that await- 
ed them. 

When the developments respecting the vicious con- 
duct of Fairfield, Hudson and Davis, took place, 
there was a suspicion that Sunny Wave had some 
knowledge of the nefarious transactions. She had 
manifested great repugnance towards Hudson, espe- 
cially, whom she occasionally saw at Mr. Humfrey's 
house. Possibly her dislike was first caused by see- 
ing him violently kick away a poor little calf that 
trotted up to its mother for its evening meal ; or, 
perhaps, she instinctively scented his villainous pro- 
pensity. It was recollected that she repeatedly used 
all her little arts to keep the girls from his company. 
On one occasion, when she was in the field with 
Dorcas, he came along and tried to persuade the 



JOHN HUMFREY, 69 

latter to go on a ramble with him. This she violently 
opposed, and would not leave them. He then made 
some forcible demonstration ; upon which she seized 
the unresisting girl by main strength and dashed over 
a craggy precipice to the peril of their lives, and to 
his utter amazement. She told Mr. Humfrey repeat- 
edly that he was a " devil man," and tried to persuade 
her father to kill him outright ; and he, very willing 
to gratify her, asked of Mr. Humfrey permission to 
despatch the wretch. 

It was remarked that some of the Indians supposed 
that Mr. Humfrey's wind-mill was a terrible engine 
of war. And they looked upon its erection as a 
decidedly hostile demonstration. It had stood frown- 
ing there but a short time, when on a stormy night 
a terrific outcry was heard in its neighborhood. Great 
alarm ensued, as an Indian attack was apprehended, 
they usually selecting such nights for their hostile 
incursions. The settlers speedily mustered, armed 
with such weapons as came to hand. It was soon 
found that a considerable body of the red men had 
made a descent upon the inoffensive wind-mill, and 
were assaulting it with great fury, shouting and dis- 
charging arrows, stones, and clubs in uninterrupted 
vollies. And they could not be driven off till the 
sails were completely riddled and such further mis- 
chief done that many grists had to lie long unground. 

The mill of Mr. Humfrey was quite noted and the 
Court, on various occasions, bestowed their smiles 
upon it. But millers, in some other localities, had 
brought scandal upon the profession of grinding by 
the extraordinary frequency of their mistakes in the 



70 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

measurement of toll ; and all the orders and admoni- 
tions of the Court failed to correct the unfortunate 
tendency to error ; indeed it seemed as if an individual 
when he became connected with a mill, at once con- 
ceived the idea that in the matter of toll it always 
took three pints to make a quart ; an arithmetical 
hallucination that no discipline could correct. It was 
in the nature of the conceit of the worthy milk-men of 
the present day, that in lacteal fluids a pint and a 
half make a quart ; an error which they cling to with 
dreadful pertinacity. The same year in which Mr. 
Humfrey erected his mill, that is, in 1636, the Court 
ordered " That noe mill'' shall take above the sixteenth 
parte of the corne hee grinds, & that every miliar 
shall have alwaies ready in his mill waights & scales 
provided att his owne charge." This seems plain 
enough ; but yet it appears that the rogues usually, 
by mistake of course, took an eighth part instead of a 
sixteenth. 

A couple of years after Mr. Humfrey's mill was 
first in operation a legislative committee was sent out 
to examine into its affairs. But what the particular 
object was the records do not disclose. Whether it 
was for the purpose of holding it up as a pattern for 
similar institutions in other parts of the Colony, or 
there were suspicions that something wrong had crept 
into its management, it is useless now to undertake 
to determine ; though we prefer to stand on the side 
of the pattern. Still it is possible that some one of 
the men employed about the mill had been up to 
knavish tricks — appropriating an undue portion of 
their neighbors' grists; or grinding too coarse, perhaps. 



JOHN HUMFREY. 7 1 

The fact that the depraved John Hudson was in the 
service of the proprietor, furnishes reasonable ground 
for suspicion. By the Quarterly Court, held Decem- 
ber I, 1640, "Henry Stevens, for fireing the barne 
of his m', [master] M"" Humfrey, was ordered to bee 
servant to M"" Humfrey for 21 years, toward recom- 
pencing him for the losse." And this is further evi- 
dence that the poor man was surrounded by a set 
of villains. 

The committee started from Boston on horseback, 
of a bright rosy morning, though the weather soon 
changed and became disagreeably raw, and arrived at 
the great Saugus ferry not far from noon. The boat 
was on the farther shore, basking in the sun like a 
tarred crocodile. But the watchful ferryman — watch- 
ful because his franchise as well as his profits depend- 
ed on his vigilance — from the door of his shanty 
perceived the impatient applicants for his services, 
and put across. The dignitaries were presently on 
board, and the horses, which were to try their skill at 
swimming, attached to the tow-ropes, with which 
such craft were at that time always supplied. All 
things bid fair for a prosperous voyage, as they 
shoved off. But adverse events will sometimes turn 
up to mar the brightest prospects. The Boston mem- 
ber insisted on holding the rope of his own nag — 
thus indiscreetly transferring the responsibility of his 
safe transit from the ferryman's shoulders to his own. 
But things would no doubt have ended well enough, 
had not the horse, when they were about half way 
over, been suddenly seized with some suspicion as to 
the safety of his own precious hide, or perhaps some 



72 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

malicious desire to pay off upon his unwary master a 
little that he fancied to be due in the squaring of old 
accounts. But whatever the motive was, the fact is 
that when they were just crossing the channel, the 
beast gave his head a violent toss, and without the 
least warning twitched his master overboard. The 
impetus was such that he went down fairly to the 
bottom ; and then he came up a;nd rolled over and 
blew like a porpoise. The nag kicked and splashed 
a while, and then turned toward the shore he had just 
left, soon gaining a foothold in the clam-beds, whose 
peaceful inhabitants became so alarmed that their 
very shells gaped asunder in terror. And in his wake 
followed his master, who had grasped the extended 
tail. The fellow legislators beheld the scene with 
dismay ; but the ferryman lost no time in backing the 
boat to where they had landed. The air was chill, and 
the poor man's teeth were chattering so that it was 
some time before he could articulate a word. The 
provident ferryman had a little keg on board, supplied 
with a stimulant thought to be useful on all such 
occasions ; and indeed there was in the provision 
wallet of the travelers themselves a deposit of the 
same sort. A liberal quantity was administered, and 
the spirits of the patient went up as the distilled 
spirits went down. 

The good man was found to be little injured, and 
things were soon in order for a second attempt to 
gain the other side. But as they proceeded to lead 
in the mischief-making quadruped — the other horses 
having all remained dull and docile as lambs — he 
cast a suspicious glance out upon the water, and then 



JOHN HUMFREY. 73 

became unaccountably excited. He threw back his 
ears, snorted, reared, and in short conducted in a most 
unhandsome manner, a manner clearly indicating 
either excessive fright or the possession of an evil 
spirit. The harder they drew forward the harder he 
drew back ; and as he was physically the most pow- 
erful, they left off tugging, and resorted to scolding 
and kicking ; the ferryman adding swearing to the 
other incentives. But nothing would induce him to 
advance a hoof 

And it was well for them that their endeavors were 
unsuccessful, as they soon perceived ; for, on glancing 
towards the channel, they were horrified to discover 
a great swaggering shark, evidently on the watch for 
a savory meal of man or horse. They stood aghast 
at the grinning personification of ferocity and impu- 
dence, and spontaneously concluded that he had been 
the occasion of the first unruly manifestation ; a con- 
clusion that at once restored the nag to full favor, and 
secured for him caresses in compensation for the kicks 
and curses. Proper steps were of course taken to 
defeat the shark in his surreptitious attempt to pro- 
cure a meal. And the crossing was finally accom- 
plished in safety. The boat then returned to its croco- 
dile state, the ferryman retired within his shanty for 
his noon repast and nap, and the travelers proceeded 
on their way with all possible speed. And the ex- 
ercise of riding prevented the chills again seizing the 
member who had been so unceremoniously forced to 
the enjoyments of a cold bath. 

On their arrival at the hospitable habitation of Mr. 
Humfrey the still wet garments were displaced by 

D 



74 n- SHINING LIGHTS. 

those dry and warm supplied from the well-conditioned 
wardrobe of the host. And after a little rest a savory 
repast was spread, for nobody knew, better than their 
entertainer, the mollifying effect of a well-timed and 
well-appointed offering to the stomach. Such appli- 
ances soothe animosities where they exist, and create 
friendships where none existed before. There is 
abundant evidence that anciently legislative commit- 
tees fully appreciated this sort of bribery, and were 
occasionally ensnared by it. But we are thankful 
that the sterling integrity of the legislators of this 
day allows no suspicion to rest on them. An invita- 
tion to a good dinner or to a free ride on a rail-road 
would shock one of our senators or representatives 
as an unpardonable attempt on his virtue. 

From the window of the room in which Mr. Hum- 
frey had the banquet spread, the wind-mill, the great 
object of the committee's perilous journey, was in full 
view, swinging its giant arms in useful labor, and 
creaking a hoarse welcome to the visitors. What 
remained of the day, after they had risen from their 
feast, was spent in strolling along the beaches, where 
they gathered their handkerchiefs full of luscious 
clams ; in viewing the farm ; and in making calls on 
divers of the settlers who resided in the vicinity, 
several of the most jolly of whom were invited to 
spend a social hour or two with the committee. 

Accordingly, in the evening, quite a party was 
gathered at the house of Mr. Humfrey. They spent 
some time in discussing the adventures of the day, 
and in discussing the great political questions then 
agitating the colonial mind. But the discussion they 



JOHN HUMFREY. 75 

entered into with the greatest zeal, with rapacity 
even, was that of a dish formed of the clams they had 
gathered. Daniel Webster himself never made a 
better chowder than Mr. Humfrey produced on this 
eventful occasion ; and never did one of the great 
statesman's culinary productions elicit more ardent 
praise. Great hilarity prevailed, particularly as the 
sitting drew toward the close, for descents had from 
time to time been made upon the cellar where were 
stored generous deposits of the liquors which had 
found their way hither through the West India trade 
in which Mr. Humfrey was so largely interested. O, 
it was a jolly time. The good old psalm tunes rang 
forth with such nasal twangs as threatened the abso- 
lute bursting of all but the strongest noses ; and then 
there was a comical jingling in and jumbling up of 
ale-house ditties, and patriotic songs, and such won- 
derful eccentricities of harmony as would have attract- 
ed attention even in that gigantic musical ventilator, 
the Boston coliseum of the proud year 1869. Every 
few minutes there was a zealous shaking of hands, all 
round, and most ardent declarations of friendship. 
The happy scene did not close till a late hour. And 
the voices of some of those good neighbors who had 
been at the party were heard in cheerful song when 
they were a quarter of a mile off on the way home. 
Metaphorically speaking, the wind was now due west 
with the mill. 

The lodging place of the committee was in the loft 
above the spacious room in which their entertainment 
had been spread. It was not the most elegant or 
richly furnished of apartments ; for it must not be 



^6 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

imagined that people in those days could have accom- 
modations that would bear a comparison with what 
such a dignified committee would be justified in ex- 
pecting at this day. Fortunately, however, the sweet 
restorer of tired nature does not make mahogany 
bedsteads and embroidered spreads a necessity for 
her refreshing visits ; but of clam-chowder she is 
reputed to be rather shy. Bare rafters traversed the 
upper atmosphere of the room, furnishing admirable 
sporting places for the entertaining sprites who figure 
in delectable nightmare scenes. And the floor was of 
rough boards with joints so ill-adjusted that a tooth- 
pick might fall through the cracks upon the heads 
of those below. And all about there was the delight- 
ful odor of dried herbs. Wind still west with the mill. 

There they retired for their much needed rest, and 
the deep symphony that soon resounded from their 
nasal bulges, indicated their oblivion, for the time 
being, to all that might molest or make afraid. 

But at midnight there was a dreadful outcry in the 
apartment of the lodgers, and down they rushed, pell- 
mell, with such precipitancy that it is a wonder their 
bones were not broken. The whole household were 
quickly assembled in the principal room, all in great 
trepidation, each fearing to inquire into the nature 
of the terrible onslaught — all excepting Mr. Hum- 
frey, in whom courage and timidity were strangely 
consorted, each at intervals predominating. He alone 
now presented a bold front, endeavoring to calm them 
and ascertain the cause of their alarm : but all he 
could make out was that the room had been invad- 
ed by a host of armed giants who were marching 



JOHN HUMFREY. 'J'J 

back and forth in a furious and threatening manner ; 
their motions being the more terrifying as they were 
noiseless as ghosts. 

" A ghostly invasion ! " exclaimed Mr. Humfrey, 
" May the Lord have mercy on us ! " And his own 
hair began to lift, the timidity getting the upper hand. 
But the courage again asserted itself, as he could not 
avoid realizing his responsibility as head of the estab- 
lishment nor the presumptions attaching to him as a 
military man. Yet, though he might valorously meet 
flesh-and-blood foes, he had to confess to himself that 
for a battle with ghosts he had no eager desire to 
volunteer. After deliberating a short time, however, 
and no alarming demonstration occurring, he cau- 
tiously ascended to the top step, and projecting his 
night-capped head into the room, reconnoitered, by 
the efficient aid of the clear moon, which shone 
benignantly in at the uncurtained window. Nothing 
that he could discover seemed sufficient to justify the 
extraordinary alarm. There was the spinning-wheel, 
as motionless as the dame left it ; there stood his old 
firelock, as unmenacing as if it had never spit fire at 
a foe ; there hung the battered plaster portrait of his 
grandfather, with the same old grimace that had 
beautified it for forty years ; there hung the bundles 
of herbs ; the rusty broad-brimmed hat ; and the rat 
trap. None of them looked as if they had seen any 
thing frightful nor as if they themselves had been 
cutting up shines. So he called to the trembling 
fugitives below, bidding them come up and see for 
themselves that all was right. Presently the other 
night-capped heads appeared, timidly peering in at the 



yS II. SHINING LIGHTS 

door. No sooner, however, had those bewildered 
heads popped in than they popped out again. And 
down rushed the trembhng bodies which those bewil- 
dered heads surmounted, a second time, in great 
trepidation. They declared that the invaders were 
still there pursuing their silent march. 

Mr Humfrey was greatly puzzled. He could not 
declare against his own senses, for he had never 
known one of them to play tricks upon him ; and by 
neither of them could he discover any thing remarka- 
ble. Yet he could not believe that his guests were 
endeavoring to impose upon him, nor that they had 
been seized by a sudden distraction. Neither did he 
believe that they had drank deep enough of his West 
India importation to drown all their wits. There he 
stood, gazing about in utter amazement, his airy night 
dress swaying " like a cloud floating around a statue." 
It occurred to him that the clams might have been 
skirmishing in their stomachs ; and to those inno- 
cent bivalves would the mischief surely have been 
attributed, in toto, had not his eyes suddenly opened to 
a new truth — to t/ie truth. And as his eyes opened, 
so likewise opened his mouth — the latter in a pro- 
longed and most hearty laugh — a laugh that almost 
shook from their places the spinning-wheel, the old 
firelock, the plaster portrait, the broad brimmed hat, 
the rat-trap, and the bundles of herbs. Now every 
body knows that a good laugh will often restore one 
to self-possession when he happens to drift a little 
from his intellectual moorings ; for the reason, I sup- 
pose, that it gives a sudden turn to the mind. No 
one can well bear to be laughed at ; and when we 



JOHN HUMFREY. 79 

hear a laugh with the cause of which we imagine 
ourselves in any way connected, the ears of our curi- 
osity at once prick up. And so it was with the 
committee, in view of Mr. Humfrey's merriment. 
Feeling that there could be no real danger, up they 
at once rushed. They found him leaning over, by 
the window, intently gazing out, his great laugh sub- 
siding in a prolonged chuckle, which finally ended in 
a limping wheeze. Then he proceeded to explain the 
phenomena of the ghostly invasion. And the wind 
veered rapidly toward the east, with the mill, as he 
proceeded in the explanation. 

The fact was simply this : there being a fresh 
breeze, the wind-mill was kept in motion all night, 
for the purpose of grinding off the accumulated grists. 
The mighty arms, with their flapping sails had con- 
tinued their majestic revolutions during the silent 
hours, saluting the bright moon with an occasional 
creak or crack, until the coursing luminary had gained 
such a position in her own revolution as to be able to 
return some of the compliments. And this she did 
by throwing down her most lustrous smiles full upon 
her panting friend and causing the dancing shadows 
of his broad arms to fall in sharpest outline first upon 
the side of the house and then through the complai- 
sant window of the room occupied by the snoring 
vigilance committee. This was done with surprising 
effect. And even a clam of ordinary brilliancy of 
imagination might well fancy that an army of ghosts 
with flaunting banners were marching back and forth. 
It is not remarkable that a person suddenly opening 
his eyes, from a troubled sleep, upon such a scene, 



80 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

should be startled ; but that it should be so taken 
for reality seems inexplicable excepting through the 
operation of clam-oppressed stomachs. So the ob- 
jects of terror were, after all, but mere shadows. And 
are not all of us disturbed and distressed by shadows, 
shadows that are flitting every where about the path 
of life, shadows as innocent as moon and wind-mill 
ever formed .-' The wind was now dead east with the 
offending mill. 

It was natural enough that those wandering digni- 
taries should be greatly mortified at the ludicrous 
occurrence, and that they should have wrangled some- 
what among themselves as to who should bear the 
blame of creating the disturbance. They disputed 
nearly the whole of the remainder of the night, tossing 
about on their beds, and now and them emphasizing 
a point by a blow upon the board partition that made 
all ring again. No satisfactory result was, however, 
arrived at. And the character of the mill was vigor- 
ously maligned as one or another, in nervous excite- 
ment, hopped from his bed to take a surly look at its 
defiant arms still boldly swinging in the moonlight. 

The household were astir betimes in the morning 
though the blessings of sleep had been but sparingly 
enjoyed by most of them. The committee-men each 
took a draught of wormwood tea, on the recommen- 
dation of Mr. Humfrey, who believed it to be a valuable 
stomach-rectifier. And then they took a turn about 
the premises, snuffed the invigorating morning air as 
it swept cheerily over the water ; calculated the time 
by the sun, watches being then almost unknown ; 
looked at their horses ; studied the points of Mr. 



JOHN HUMFREY. 8 I 

Humfrey's cow, pigs, goats, and poultry. A sly glance 
was now and then directed toward the mill, which 
still swung on majestically, the night-miller having 
retired and a fresh hand taken his place. Then they 
partook of a savory breakfast, at which they were 
rather more silent than at the meal of the previous 
evening. Not a word was said about the occurrences 
of the night. The morning was balmy and all nature 
wore a pleasant aspect. But the wind was still dead 
east with the mill. 

They sallied forth with an alacrity that evidently 
meant business, and boldly entered the precincts of 
the mill. The miller was a little surly, for he had 
been called from his bed at an earlier hour than 
suited his convenience, and gave occasion for the 
examiners to speak sharply of his unaccommodating 
manners. They noted the running of the stones as 
carefully as a good physician notes the pulse of his 
patient ; they snuffed over the hopper, and felt of the 
warm meal as it shot into the trough ; they peered 
into crannies where they could not creep ; poked 
their sticks into the rat holes ; examined the miller 
in the catechism and made him repeat the ten com- 
mandments, which he could only do in a very blun- 
dering way ; questioned him closely about the daily 
labors of the mill, the customers, their bringings-in 
and their takings-out, and attentively conned his strag- 
gling chalk-scores on the side of the hopper. In 
short, they did all that a discreet and honest commit- 
tee could or ought to do. And they came forth from 
the mill as one might say besmeared with evidence 
of their faithfulness ; for the roguish miller had found 
D* 6 



82 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

means to give every one a thorough powdering in 
return for their testy compliments to liim. 

The exterior of the structure was then to be sur- 
veyed. The machinery was stopped, and they paused 
under the lee, where they sat down on a flat rock, to 
calculate some measurements. They had suggested 
to Mr. Humfrey that his presence could be dispensed 
with for a while, and he had gone down to the beach 
to make some arrangement with the clams respect- 
ing the mid-day meal. The wind now began to 
haul out of the east, with the mill, and things were 
looking more cheerful. They sat there, absorbed in 
their duties, when all of a sudden, and without the 
slightest warning, they were every one, excepting the 
chairman, knocked heels over head ; and he, poor 
man, was taken by the skirts of his outer garment, 
and sent flying up on high, kicking and shrieking in 
the most dreadful manner. The disaster occurred in 
this way : they had, Mr. Humfrey not being present 
to caution them, grouped themselves just within the 
sweep of the great arms ; and the rascally miller, 
perceiving another chance to retaliate for what he 
chose to consider their insults, had, through the insti- 
gation of the very evil one himself, set the machinery 
going. It is fair, however, to say that he positively 
denied this, and declared that the mill started of its 
own accord. It is a wonder that the heads of the 
unwary men were not fairly knocked off and rolled 
down the hill, and that the chairman was not torn 
limb from limb. But no one received fatal injury. 
They were, however, considerably damaged ; so much 
so that most of them were laid up for months. It 



JOHN HUMFREY. 83 

was some days before they could be removed to their 
homes ; and when they were bundled off they looked 
like so many swaddled and patched mummies. They 
could not report during that session. And when the 
report did come, a perfect hurricane from the east 
roared all through it. The mill, it said, was " spetially 
dang''ous ; " and the miller was called a " fowl brag'\" 
They mercilessly denied it every good quality that a 
decent mill should possess. And instead of reporting 
as agreed upon on the evening of the clam feast, when 
the wind was west with it, that it was an institution 
as worthy of encouragement as the college at Cam- 
bridge, they recommended that it be forthwith torn 
down and the miller severely whipped, both at Lynn 
and Boston. But it does not appear whether or not 
their recommendation was carried into effect. 

The last duties of Mr. Humfrey as a member of the 
General Court were performed in 1641. In October 
of that year he left the country and returned to Eng- 
land where he died in 1661. There is no doubt, as 
before intimated, that his services were of great value 
to the infant Bay Colony, and that his character was of 
a high order. Governor Winthrop speaks of him as 
" a gentleman of special parts of learning and activity, 
and a godly man." His children were, John, Joseph, 
Theophilus, Ann, Dorcas, and Sarah. And a petition 
to the probate court, June 29, 168 1, states that Ann 
was then the only surviving child. Few descendants 
of another generation seem to have appeared. And 
from the claims that Ann made to the estate here, it 
is inferred that no other heir was known. 



84 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

Of the ultimate fate of Dorcas and Sarah, the 
unfortunate victims of Fairfield, Hudson, and Davis, 
little is certainly known ; and tradition has given 
divers accounts. A few years ago I had occasion to 
relate in print something concerning one of them. 
But subsequent inquiries developed other facts ; and 
I shall now proceed to give the account which seems 
on the whole most authentic. 

After the lamentable occurrences referred to, and 
the disappearance of her parents from the country, 
by the intervention of one of her father's friends and 
the sanction of the Court, Dorcas was placed in a 
very worthy family in Boston, where she was watched 
over and nurtured with the tenderest care. The best 
means were provided for her education, and as time 
passed on, she seemed to common observation to have 
entirely recovered from the blight suffered in her 
earlier years. She possessed such striking graces 
of person that even the rude wayfarer often paused to 
admire. And her expanding intellect exhibited such 
clearness of comprehension and brilliancy as placed 
her at once among the most brightly shining lights 
in that little community. 

She delighted in books, and the few small libraries 
of the ministers and others were ransacked for stray 
volumes of the poets and tales of the romancing trav- 
elers. She was charmed with the beautiful in nature, 
and by the pencil transferred to canvas many of the 
pleasant and romantic scenes about her endeared 
home, with marvelous success. And she loved occa- 
sionally to stroll away alone among the fields and 
groves upon the river bank, and by the seashore, 



JOHN HUMFREY. 85 

returning with her gathered treasures of flowers, ght- 
tering shells, and sketches of bright scenes. But the 
indulgence of this inclination was interrupted in a 
sudden and singular manner. 

As she was one evening seated on a rock that 
commanded a charming view, and had lingered till 
the shades of night were fast closing in, she was 
startled by a quick rustling among the bushes. And 
then the sprightly Sunny Wave bounded to her side. 
Instantly the Indian maid seized her hand, and with 
her great lustrous eyes beaming full in the alarmed 
face to which they were turned, in an agitated under- 
tone ejaculated, " Bad white man ; make himself like 
Indian ; hunt you. He watch now. Go, go quick ; 
very quick ! " Amazed at this sudden warning, she 
was about to interrogate the dusky apparition, when 
the latter, with a gentle push, and at the same time 
thrusting into her hand a bunch of magnolias, hastily 
repeated her last injunction — "Go, go quick; very 
quick ! " — and vanished. 

Without stopping to speculate as to the cause or 
the reasonableness of the apparently friendly visit, she 
took the safe course and speedily withdrew homeward. 
Informing her friends of the singular warning, they 
were as much puzzled as she, and more apprehensive. 
But the next day the mystery was in a measure solved, 
information being received that a lawless young scion 
of nobility then lately from England had been dogging 
her steps from point to point, disguised as an Indian. 
It was evident that Sumiy Wave had observed his 
conduct, discovered his disguise, watched him, and 
given seasonable alarm. 



86 II, SHINING LIGHTS. 

This incident was quite sufficient to deter Dorcas 
from again often venturing on her rambles unaccom- 
panied. But with companions, and especially when 
she could have the bright and watchful Indian ghl 
at hand, she still continued to enjoy her strolls. 

In the social circle, especially, Dorcas shone ; and 
it is not to be wondered at that she had many admir- 
ers of the other sex. That she had susceptible feel- 
ings is very true ; but there was that train of sad 
memories which induced in her the exercise of a 
degree of wariness that might easily be mistaken for 
overstrained fastidiousness. And it was in her lonely 
hours, when the most painful reflections pressed upon 
her, enveloping in a gloomy mist all her earthly hopes 
and aspirations, that her thoughts began to be directed 
to higher objects for rest and comfort. 

Her weary, panting soul yearned for something on 
which it might lean and pour out the fervid tide of its 
love. And what could present itself as a more worthy 
object than religion. In her worldly career remem- 
brances of the errors of her early life would constantly 
spring up to darken her way and impede her progress ; 
jealousies, envyings, and rivalries would keep alive 
the fatal knowledge ; and the prospect seemed dreary 
and waste. But in the calm sunshine of religion the 
shadows might be dissolved and the waste places 
made fruitful. And no impediment appeared in the 
better way ; for the greater the evil turned from the 
more ardent the love evolved. 

In early womanhood, then, with earnest persistency 
and intelligent concern, she began to direct her medi- 
tations to those loftier themes. With the elders and 



JOHN HUMFREY. 8/ 

ministers, and pious women, she conversed much, 
and the old theological tomes of the parsonage library- 
were perseveringly conned, for her trained intellect, 
not being controlled by the merely emotional, de- 
manded the wherefore of doctrine and rule. In her 
life the good fruits began soon to appear. The widow 
and fatherless were visited in their affliction, and 
many an erring one was drawn back to the path of 
rectitude. The humble homes of the forlorn and 
distressed were made glad by her visits, and the indi- 
gent of every class were cheered by her sympathy 
and benevolence. Yet her social delights were by 
no means extinguished by her new conceptions and 
duties, for not a throb of misanthropy stirred her 
heart. She still loved to join in the merry-makings 
of her young companions ; and her cordial sympathies, 
winning ways, and active participation in passing 
scenes, which so early won for her a welcome in 
every neighborhood gathering, still made her presence 
eagerly sought. Indeed her new profession had given 
additional strength to her social character, for the old 
clouds that were accustomed to flit up at any moment, 
had been dissipated, or rather gilded by the vivifying 
light within, and no longer cast their ghastly shadows 
over innocent enjoyment. 

But it was with great concern that the worthy 
pastor on whose ministrations Dorcas attended, began 
to perceive that her love for the faith in which she 
had been nurtured was fast loosening. Indeed, with 
the cold and stern theology that then jDrevailed, her 
warm heart could not fully sympathize, and she fast 
tended toward the revered old mother church, whose 



88 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

sublime ritual and meet observances have captivated 
so many intelligent minds reared in the newer and 
harsher faith. There were at this time but a small 
number of Episcopalians in the Colony, and they had 
no place of worship. The few in Boston were accus- 
tomed to occasionally meet in a private room, to 
engage in the beautiful service set forth in their 
beloved book of prayer. But even these half-stealthy 
meetings they could not enjoy without suffering taunts 
if indeed they escaped with no greater molestation. 
Yet, as persecution for one's faith is not apt to lessen 
his attachment to it, they were persisted in. And 
but two or three generations had passed away before 
the Church became a power in the land. Her influ- 
ence through her whole history here has been such 
as every true Christian must applaud. Whatever 
may have been her character and conduct in the old 
world, here, she has set an example of tolerance and 
godly life worthy of imitation by some of far greater 
pretension. Our heroine, after entering the little fold 
of the Church pursued the even tenor of her way, 
never swerving from the faith she loved nor unsea- 
sonably obtruding her views. 

But did not that gentle heart, during its years of 
perplexity and inward toil, its years of exposure and 
temptation, sometimes yearn for parental counsel and 
guidance } And can it be that those parents who 
had rejoiced over her birth, had lost her image from 
their hearts .-' When in their luxurious home beyond 
the blue wave, greeting the fair and the brave amid 
sparkling lights and inspiring music strains, or when 
wakeful upon their bed at the solemn midnight hour, 



JOHN HUMFREY. 89 

did they have no thought for their once dear offspring, 
regarding whose fate they had reason to entertain 
the most painful apprehensions ? There is mystery 
about the whole matter. It cannot be believed that 
her father, whose acts and epistles uniformly in- 
dicate a broad benevolence and impressible heart, 
could have so strangely forgotten his duties or utterly 
abandoned his offspring. No, no, he must have longed 
to clasp the returned wanderer to his breast amid 
the gushing tears of mutual joy. Why then did he 
not seek her out, for she might easily have been 
found, and restore her, blooming, beautiful, and puri- 
fied, to a home among the noble and refined — a 
home which she appears to have been well fitted to 
adorn ? The question can only be asked. And the 
mother who bore her — what can we think of her ? 

Among the families in which Dorcas was kindly 
received, at Boston, was that of a French gentleman 
of refinement and wealth. And in process of time, 
proposing to return to his native country, at the 
urgent solicitation of his wife and daughter, he invited 
her to accompany them for a temporary residence in 
Paris. She was delighted with the opportunity to 
visit a foreign land, especially such a genial one as 
France, and her friends interposing no objection, 
her preparations for the voyage were soon made. 
That she might be the better prepared for the new 
scenes in prospect, she industriously set about acquir- 
ing the French language ; and by the efficient aid of 
the family she was to accompany became a proficient 
in a wonderfully short period. 

In due time they arrived in France, and Dorcas 



90 



II. SHINING LIGHTS. 



prepared to enter with the zest characteristic of her 
naturally ardent temperament upon the course that 
lay before her, all still veiled in mystery. With true 
modesty, but with the common fondness of her sex, 
she received the flatteries and caresses of the gay and 
polite people by whom she found herself surrounded, 
and presently contracted a somewhat unpromising 
relish for the gaities of her new sphere. Yet her 
refined taste and cultivated mind led her to take more 
real delight in visiting the galleries of art, the libra- 
ries and other objects of higher interest. But to the 
dim old churches she often repaired ; and there, in 
the dreamy light that streamed through the lofty and 
gorgeously tinted windows, beheld the imposing wor- 
ship with an awe she had never before felt in a house 
dedicated to the Most High. The fretted arches and 
lofty columns, the golden altars and glowing lights, 
the pictures and statuary of marvelous dignity and 
beauty, the robed priests and uniformed orders, the 
solemn chants and organ symphonies — all conspired 
to make the humble appointments of the rude sanctu- 
ary of her own home rise up in contrast almost 
grotesque. And there is no wonder that a mind 
constituted like hers — with a deep love for the har- 
monious and appropriate, an awe for the grand and 
imposing, a veneration for the ancient, and a tendency 
to devotional fervor — should have been insensibly 
attracted to the old faith and its impressive forms 
of worship. 

But few months had passed when her friends per- 
ceived the bent her mind had taken, and to their 
inquiries she frankly declared her views. They had 



JOHN HUMFREY. 9 1 

themselves been bred in the CathoKc church — though 
at that period the famous Edict of Nantes was still 
in force — but during their residence in America had 
no opportunity to worship according to her ritual. 
On returning to their native land, however, their 
early love revived, and they went back, like glad chil- 
dren to a revered mother. Under such circumstances, 
of course, their endeared charge would be welcomed 
to the fold. 

And so the time passed on. Dorcas embraced her 
new faith with ardor, and sought instruction on points 
of doctrine and worship with the same zeal and intel- 
ligence that had characterized her inquiries respecting 
the faith she had now abandoned. And she was soon 
reckoned a sincere and faithful daughter of the ancient 
chiu"ch. 

Her accomplishments, and the standing of her 
friends had placed her in a high social position. 
Their means were ample, and their generosity, with 
which was perhaps mingled a little pride, prompted 
them to supply every reasonable want. Her admirers 
were many, but her good sense proved a strong safe- 
guard against the unworthy — though such safeguard, 
unhappily, is not always impregnable. 

But did she never, while thus flitting in the world's 
gay capital, the radiant centre of a charmed circle, 
cast a look back upon the scenes of her early home — 
never glance to the verdant hill-top, where, in the 
shadow of the great creaking wind-mill, she had so 
often gambolled — to the sparkling beaches which 
she had so often trod with bounding step, gathering 
shells and mosses and glittering pebbles — to the 



92 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

blithsome summer hours, when with her sisters and 
the neighboring maidens, and the bright Httle Sunny 
Wave, she had bathed in the waters that rolled in 
whispering lines almost to her father's door — to the 
cheery times when no shadow had fallen upon her, 
and all within and without was bright and cheerful } 
And then did she not recur, with grievous pangs, to 
the sad hours when the murky mists began to arise, 
enveloping her in their blighting folds — to the adieus 
of her parents, who so departed on the wide ocean 
track, leaving her to the protection and guidance of 
such as she well knew to be eminently unworthy — 
to that darker cloud that so soon fell upon her, in its 
dismal folds enwrapping every fair prospect, and for 
the time blasting her very soul's health — to her even 
then lonely condition, without the sympathy of kin- 
dred and with a future of drear uncertainty .-' We 
are all so constituted that experiences like hers will 
sometimes send their shadows up from the mys- 
terious depths of memory like troublous ghosts. But 
memories of a brighter cast were also hers. And 
when the recollection of the peaceful girlhood days 
she had passed in Boston, under the protection of 
those kind friends who had rescued, encouraged, and 
consoled her, came up, her heart must have taken 
fresh courage. 

The tradition goes on to add that after a considera- 
ble period of triumph in the fashionable world of 
Paris, our heroine became the betrothed of a wealthy 
young count. And as the time for the consummation 
of the espousals approached, scorning every thing like 
deception or concealment, she took measures to have 



JOHN HUMFREY. 93 

the family of her affianced fully informed of her past 
life. The grievous tidings first created a coldness and 
then a vigorous opposition, on the part of the mother 
of the count, to the union. And suffice it to say, the 
marriage was never solemnized. Then days of dark- 
ness again arose upon her. The cause of the blight 
in her fair prospects becoming generally known in 
the gay circle where she had been accustomed to 
move, and feeling that the finger of scorn might be 
pointed to her at every turn, with an almost broken 
heart she withdrew into England. She had letters of 
introduction to good families and soon in a measure 
recovered her spirits. By her accomplishments and 
natural gifts she presently found herself in refined 
and elevated society — again the centre of a charmed 
circle. But from some cause which in the mysterious 
workings of the human mind cannot be explained, 
her views of moral rectitude seem to have changed ; 
or perhaps her recent sad experience induced a sort 
of abandonment which sometimes will, in spite of 
every effort, like an irruption of unsanctified nature, 
assert itself Without, however, pretending to estab- 
lish a reason for the apparent change in her, we 
can only say that at no distant period she is found 
in the guilty position of mistress to a young scion 
of one of the most noble families — a sort of connec- 
tion which, however, at that time and in such society, 
was not regarded with deserved detestation. 

This disreputable connection continued for a con- 
siderable period. She was supplied with means suffi- 
cient for the indulgence of every reasonable desire, by 
her liberal friend, and made a full return in affection 



94 n. SHINING LIGHTS. 

and social entertainment. But with her just sense 
of rectitude, and especially with her memory of the 
sad episode in her earlier life, it cannot be imagined 
that she had any truly happy hours. 

A bitter end usually comes to all such unholy con- 
nections. And the case of this erring one was no 
exception to the common rule. The young nobleman 
suddenly died, without making any provision for her 
future. And his family, of course deeming themselves 
far from any obligation, left her to wither away in 
penury. 

Then there are traditions of her having entered the 
dramatic profession and of her successes and triumphs 
upon the theatrical boards — even of her blazing forth 
as a star of the first magnitude ; though at what 
precise period of her residence in England this took 
place does not appear. 

It may be a wonder that while in England she did 
not seek out her father and family connections, for 
her heart must have suffered sore affliction at the long 
and strange separation from all with whom she could 
claim kindred. True we do not know but she did 
endeavor to search them out. But it is probable that 
she did not, as they no doubt could easily have been 
found and would have provided for all her wants. It 
may rather be concluded that her naturally high spirit 
prevailed and prevented her ever appearing in what 
she feared might be deemed the character of a sup- 
pliant. Be that, however, as it may. 

Then we find that after a long season of indigence 
and depression, her devotional feelings revived in fresh 
vigor, and she received new consolations from religion. 



JOHN HUMFREY. 95 

With the utmost diligence she strove to regain what 
she had lost in the christian race, and was soon blest 
by the renewed sympathies of pious friends. She 
now led an exemplary life, fulfilling her christian 
duties with zeal and fidelity. Her worldly condition, 
however, was such that instead of having means to 
bestow in charity she herself was in need. But in 
humbleness of heart she labored on, cheered by the 
sure promise of reward to all such as do their utmost. 

Her devotional feelings waxing warmer and warmer, 
and the attractions of the world fading faster and faster 
away, we find that she returned to France, and enter- 
ing the peaceful portals of a convent sought the repose 
her poor heart so much needed. 

But she does not seem to have ended her days in 
that calm retreat. For the tradition adds that when 
considerably advanced in years, she appeared again 
in her native land, often, as a lonely wanderer, visiting 
the scenes in and about Boston, which had so attracted 
her youthful steps. And into the place of her earlier 
years, too, she would roam — with down-cast eye 
pacing along the still beautiful shores as if listening 
to the tale of the waves as they rolled whispering at 
her feet ; or, standing upon the hill where erst stood 
her father's renowned mill, thoughtfully scanning the 
broad landscape. And what recollections must those 
visits have called up ? 

And, finally, we are told, that near the scene of her 
childhood's gambols she laid down her weary life — 
her fitful dream ending in penury and distress ; but 
to be succeeded, God grant, by an awakening to a 
life of joy in the better world. 



96 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

It may be thought that something should be added 
respecting the other daughters of Mr. Humfrey. Of 
Ann, the eldest, it may be remarked that she married 
William Palmer, of Ardfinan, in Ireland, the marriage 
taking place about the time of her father's leaving 
America. And it was to this sister that the abused 
girls first made known what had taken place. Ann 
became a widow, and subsequently married the Rev. 
John Miles of Swanzey. She lived to a mature age, 
and as late as 1681 claimed title by inheritance to 
some of the Lynn lands — among them the charming 
locality at Swampscott where now stands the baronial 
residence of the late Hon. E. R. Mudge. 

Of Sarah, the companion of Dorcas in error, little 
or nothing is with certainty known. Many years ago 
there was a mossy grave-stone in the most ancient 
part of Copp's Hill burying ground, in Boston, bearing 
the single name " Sarah," and beneath it the Latin 
words ^^ Deo Misero'e." An intelligent antiquary once 
told me that it marked the spot where Sarah Humfrey 
was laid ; that she died in degradation and destitution ; 
and that the stone was erected, a long time after, by 
her sister. 

And here, without devoting any more space to 
details respecting the life of Mr. Humfrey, we must 
close our sketch. We have seen that he had a full 
share of worldly trouble ; and can readily perceive that 
he would certainly have avoided some of his greatest 
calamities had he pursued a different course. But 
in pursuing that other course, who can tell that he 
would not have fallen into still greater misfortunes. 



ROBERT KEAYNE. 97 

If we could all, with docility and godly discretion, 
receive the discipline vouchsafed by a kind Providence, 
watchful for our ultimate good, we should profit much 
more than by repining and speculating as to what 
might have been. And regrets for the errors of the 
past are of small worth unless they lead to endeavors 
for amendment in the future. 



ROBERT KEAYNE. 

Mr. Keayne was a Representative in the General 
Court, from Boston, as early as 1638. He was ad- 
mitted a freeman in May, 1636, having probably 
arrived in the country a few months before. He was 
a marked character, and his name appears very often 
on the Court records ; a name which is otherwise 
rendered immortal from his having been the first 
commander of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery 
Company. He was elected at its organization, in 
1638. The title of "M-"" as well as "Capt"" is 
found attached to his name, on the records, which is 
sufficient evidence of his respectability, " Goodman " 
having been the title of those in mean condition. 

His business was that of a merchant tailor, though 
he engaged in divers speculations and mercantile 
enterprises, and became quite rich. Soon after his 
arrival he was received as a member of the Boston 
church ; and it is evident that his orthodoxy and his 
E 7 



98 



II. SHINING LIGHTS. 



loyalty to the colonial interests and authorities were 
considered perfectly sound, as he was the one to 
whom the General Court ordered the arms of the 
adherents of Mr. Wheelwright and Mrs. Hutchinson 
to be surrendered at the disarming, in 1637. 

It is perhaps well in this place to say a few words 
respecting the famous military organization just men- 
tioned, of the early history of .which so little is really 
known. Mr. Pinion, among his jottings for March, 
1638, says: " Vppon y^ opening of y"^ sescion m='^ 
adew was made ab' y^ formeing of a great millytary 
companie, a peticon haveing bin put in by M-" Kayne 
and dyvers others. Som W^ know who were to bee 
memb^s, and haue y'" cattykiz'' on poynts of doctrine, 
and wheth"" they be true to our libertys here, for, sayd 
they, it may bee but a cunninglie layd plann of y'^ 
devill to get y^ vpper hand and make spoyl of vs all. 
Who knoweth but our libertys and godlie priviledges 
may bee forc'^ from vs, wee, by graunting this peticon . 
giveing birth, as it were, to a cocatrice. And be not 
som who now petticon, among y"" y' follow after a 
strange wooman ? w''^, as by scripture, leadeth to 
destruccon." 

The foregoing has reference to the petition of Mr. 
Keayne and others, presented to the Court, for au- 
thority to form a military company, the head quar- 
ters to be in Boston, but embracing members from 
the different plantations. It had early become appa- 
rent that military organizations would be necessary 
for the safety of the settlers, not only to repel attacks 
of the savages, but to inspire a wholesome fear in the 
French and Dutch. The first organizations were 



ROBERT KEAYNE. 99 

local, and called train-bands, each settlement main- 
taining its own. But it was of course soon seen that 
under such a system much strength would be lost 
when there was a general call for troops to serve in 
any important campaign, because of diversity of or- 
ganization and mode of discipline. The purpose, 
then, was to form a sort of military regulator and 
school of tactics. There was, however, as Mr. Pinion 
intimates, considerable opposition among certain of 
the Representatives, who were more careful of their 
doctrine than their works — a sort of individual not 
entirely unknown in other periods of the world's 
history. The circumstance that some of the petition- 
ers were adherents of Mrs. Hutchinson gave point to 
the opposition, they being the ones whom the jour- 
nalist characterizes as following after a " strange 
wooman." It was probably the influence of Mr. 
Keayne's name that carried the measure through, for 
he was, as just intimated, imbued with puritanical 
salt of the most unquestioned savor. 

The charter was obtained. And on the first Mon- 
day in June, 1638, the renowned Ancient and Hon- 
orable Artillery Company was formed, liberty being 
allowed them to use the public arms. It was not at 
first an artillery company ; and they did not probably 
obtain field-pieces till the year 1657. The title given 
in the charter is, " The Millitary Company of the Mas- 
sachusets." On receiving the cannon it was called 
The Artillery Company, or The Great Artillery. As 
late as 1691, Cotton Mather, in his election sermon, 
calls it The Artillery Company. In 1708, Mr. Dan- 
forth, in the title-page of his sermon, prefixes the 



lOO n. SHINING LIGHTS. 

word "Honourable." Finally, in 1738, Dr. Colman, 
who preached the centennial sermon, gives the full 
title — Honorable and Ancient Artillery Company. 
The records of the Company, however, give the title 
Ancient and Honorable, as early as 1700. At the 
organization, Mr. Keayne was elected Captain. 

The Company has suffered a few intervals of sus- 
pended animation — during the Andros administration 
and the Revolution, lying for a time hard at death's 
door — but, thanks to timely legislative doctoring, 
has survived, and is now in vigorous health. But 
yet the Company is at the present day, to all intents, 
an organization without a purpose, excepting perhaps 
the purpose of having a good time once or twice a 
year ; and were it not for the grateful memories that 
cluster around it, would probably soon close its record. 
But its officers still continue to be elected on the first 
Monday of June ; and the pleasant holiday of Artillery 
Election continues to be honored by a parade, a 
sermon, and a bountiful dinner ; and the Governor 
dispenses the commissions from his seat on Boston 
Common. And may the venerable organization, be- 
gun for a praiseworthy object, under the fostering 
care of the subject of this sketch, long continue, in 
its pleasant way linking. the past with the present* 

* But there was another " Ele6lion Day," which for some two 
hundred years was observed as one of the prmcipal holidays in Mas- 
sachusetts. It occurred on the last Wednesday of May, the day on 
which the General Court, acting as a court of ele6tions, chose the 
Governor and other chief officers for the year. This ele6lion day was 
established at the beginning of the government, and in 183 1 was by 
the General Court abolished amid many lamentations. For many 
years, it was very generally known as " Nigger 'le6tion ; " receiving 



ROBERT KEAYNE. 10 1 

But about those dinners which the Company annu- 
ally sit down to, with their invited guests. It is 

that rather questionable appellation, some have imagined, merely to 
distinguish it from Artillery Election. But the true reason was that 
all the negro slaves in Massachusetts, as long as slavery existed here, 
were allowed a vacation of four days, beginning on that day. In imi- 
tation of their masters, they then assembled in the different neighbor- 
hoods and elected rulers for themselves — rulers, however, without 
power and without subjects. But they enjoyed their mock proceedings 
with the keenest relish. And they had a right jolly time during the 
whole four days of this annual respit. The serene gravity of the 
ebony officers elected and the extreme obsequiousness of their subjects, 
are said to have furnished most instructive as well as amusing lessons. 
Dancing was a favorite diversion, and one sometimes engaged in to 
an annoying extent. Eleftion dance-houses became established insti- 
tutions, and away down to within seventy years were much resorted to 
by blacks, and by whites too, of the lower order. Day and night danc- 
ing, drinking, and diversiform carousing went on within their portals. 

But the good old " 'leflion-cake " must not be forgotten ; and pro- 
bably never will be, by such as have been blest by a taste. Every 
householder was expected to provide an abundance of it. It was a 
cheap kind of cake, made of raised dough, sweetened and slightly 
spiced, and baked in round cakes, of perhaps six inches in diameter, 
the top made glossy by the white of egg. 

Boston Common presented a notable scene on Election days. All 
sorts of sports and small gaming were .going on among the animated 
multitude, who appeared in their holiday attire, the colored brethren 
and sisters, especially, with their faces as shining as the cake. 

Egg-nog ahd eledion-cake came to be the prescriptive gustatory 
ofiferings of the season, about as much as turkey and plum pudding are 
now those of Thanksgiving. In the country, if the weather was favor- 
able, the population seemed to feel it incumbent to be abroad, ready 
to join in pleasure excursions and all kinds of rural sports. Indeed 
the day appeared much as the fourth of July now does ; but with the 
desirable absence of hot weather, bell-ringing, and vile powder-burnmg. 

For some two hundred years, as before remarked, did good old 
Election survive ; but now, alas, is almost forgotten. Were not these 
temperance times and I a temperance man, I could but recommend 
that on each returning anniversary we all join in a cup o' kindness, in 
the shape of egg-nog, for that great day of langsyne. 



I02 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

doubtful whether the invisible spirit of Capt. Keayne, 
hovers around on those occasions with much delight 
or approval ; for though in his will, written in 1652, 
he kindly remembers his pet institution, leaving for 
it, among other things, two heifers, or cows, to be 
kept as stock, the increase or profit to be laid out 
yearly in powder, bullets, &c., with some limitation, 
he also exhorts them not to spend their means in 
" eating and drinking and needless invitations as it 
hath been for a long time," both to his own grief and 
offence and the scandal of several of the Company, 
some withdrawing in consequence of the carousing, 
and others being unwilling to pay their quarterages. 

The early records of the Company being so imper- 
fect, had it not been for the notes of Mr. Pinion, so 
fortunately in our hands, many curious facts concern- 
ing their early parades and achievements would have 
been forever lost. Dr. Colman, in his centennial 
sermon, remarks : " The captains awed their families 
and neighbors by their gravity and piety, as well as 
frightened their enemies by their boldness and firm- 
ness. The natives trembled when they saw them 
train, and old as well as young stood still and rever- 
enced them as they passed along in martial order." 
If all this was done a hundred years after their organ- 
ization, what must have been done at first .'' They 
do not, indeed, inspire precisely such feelings as they 
parade at the present day ; yet' they receive marked 
attention and respect. 

There is nothing on their records, or on the records 
of the Court, to show that the Company had a uniform 
during the first years of its existence. But luckily 



ROBERT KEAYNE. IO3 

Mr. Pinion has supplied all that seems necessary on 
that point. The following extract, descriptive of an 
early parade, is graphic and interesting : 

" Last third day, being y^ feild day of y'^ Millytarie 
Companie, there was a great parade, y^ souldjers 
assembling betimes att y"= great oake. [And this 
appears to have been an enormous white oak, stand- 
ing just about the present junction of School street 
and Tremont.] Two lustie drummers and a mightie 
winded trumpetter made y*^ whole towne ring w'*' 
alarrums as of warr. Y*^ comical turn ab* y^ jewes- 
harpes Capt" Kayne will not haue mencion^ on payne 
of his ang"". Y'^ xrcise began earlie in y^ affnoone, 
and aff manewvring for a space, they were form'' into 
ranks of four, y^ roade being but narrow, and made 
readie to march fourth towards Rocksberry, after 
pray"" by M"" Willson. Their xrcise was m'^'^ aplawded 
by y*^ multitude call'' forth by y^ occacion. 

" They were uniform^' in a faire manner, all haveing 
yello breeches of leath'', w^'' blew ribbins knotted at 
y'^ knees, also red leggins and black shews w''^ bigg 
shining buckles. They had doublets of green, w* 
strips of yello sewed on. Butt their coates were 
mostlie of brown or gray, tho som were like Joseph 
his coat, being of manie colours, each suiting himself 
in that garment, y^ Capt" hauing sayd y' sometymes 
they might train onlie in their doublets. But y^ 
coats all had high millitarie collars made stiff w^'^ 
buckram ; and they were soe high, that often as they 
made a false step while marching along, their backs 
rising a little, y*^ collars w^ push their caps from their 
heads. And once, while marching downe a stony hil. 



I04 n. SHINING LIGHTS. 

SO manie were pushed off, y* Capt° Kayne sayd seem- 
inglie there were more caps vppon y^ ground than on 
their heads, and he would, befoar another trayning, see 
to haueing y^ collars cutt down ; for they not onlie 
push"^ off the caps but likewise made their cues stick 
out so strait behinde that they look'^ like little steering 
poles ; w'^'' conceit made m* merry"""'. Their wiggs 
were mightie in syze, and y^ cues wound w''' eal skin. 
Som of y^ wiggs were white, som gray and som of 
dyvers colours, as to that matter, for som not being 
able to get real wiggs, were faine to dress y"" heads 
in y^ skins of little foxes or raccoons, winding y^ tayls 
for cues. Y'^ caps or hatts were such as each could 
best procure for himself Most had brave bandoleers 
and powd^ homes hung at their sides ; and y^ officers 
had long streaming sashes, m*^'" like Indjan belts ; 
som saying that y^ one Capt" Kayne wore, and w'^'^ 
was m* praised, was giuen him by Arrow lohn, and 
was wrought by his dafter Sunny Wave. Som were 
arm*^ w* musquets, but there not being enow for all, 
dyvers had halberds, and a few Indjan warr clubs or 
bowes and arrows. 

" Manie came in from y'^ outer settlements to see 
y^ parade, for all deem'' this Companie to bee of 
mightie import amoungst vs. Dyvers of y^ best men 
from y^ oth'' plantacions haue joyn"*, and y^ ministers 
haue don m*^'" to help y'^ affair along, tho there yet bee 
som who beare y'^ Companie noe good will, feareing 
y' it may one day com to bee a poW not easie to 
manage. All agree y' it must be kept vnder y*" civill 
authoritie, or our liberties are gon. Noe feare need 
bee from anie now memb''s, for they be all right from 



ROBERT KEAYNE. IO5 

amoungst vs and as m'^^ concern'^ as wee to keepe 
matters in godlie trim. And as for y« future, it is 
not wise to distres o-'selves aV y\ it being in God his 
keeping. 

" Y^ cheifest memb-'s of y^ Co-'t were present, dyVs- 
of them, indeed, being of y« Companie. M"- Hubbard^ 
who hath bin nicknam^ y" smashing memb'', was there, 
and must needs xrcise himselfe in his odd way, bring- 
ing scandall on y'^ occacion. [This was Levi Hubbard, 
a member much noted for his eccentricities. I have 
notes respecting him, and hope to introduce a short 
sketch, some pages hence.] Wlien y^ jewesharpes 
play^ hee was soe amaz^ y' hee let fly a bigg roll of 
tabacca and hit one of y'' young Indjans on y^ head, 
who thinking it sent as a reward for his skill on y* 
instrument, was m'^'' pleas'' and play'' all y*" hard''. 

" Y^ Companie haueing march'' beyond y^ rayles on 
y^ Rocksberry roade, w^ paws in y"^ shade for rest and 
refresh™'. While soe doing, one of M"' Hubbard his- 
ffits seizing him, he hurl^^ a great clam w"^ m='^ force, 
wh'^'^ hitting a tree, shy'' off into y^ bushes and bounc"* 
into a nest of little wing'' devills, or as M-" Cobet calF 
y"", hornets. A whole army of y"' darted out and 
w'' surelie haue put our army to flight had it not bin 
for shame. W"' our guns and our halberds we could 
not fight such enemys, W^'^ though small, were not to 
be despis''. Their pestigeous stings made som cry- 
out who w'' haue met y^ fire of bullets w"iout moveing,. 
Som roared for very agonie of payn ; som hopped 
and jumped about like distracted Indjans ; som rolled 
on y« ground ; som ran to y'^ little brook for releif of 
Y" terrible burnings ; and som scolded and swore for 

E* 



I06 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

very madness, to y^^ great scandall of y^ manie godlie 
ones present. Capt° Kayne had a grievous sting on 
y^ face, w-'' sett his nose awry in a most comical way. 
Y^ Ensigne was in great rage, knowing y'^ cause of 
y^ mischeif, and w"^ drawn sword rushed vppon M" 
Hubbard, and w'^ liaue don him harme had he not bin 
restrained. Som others, being a little heady, mayhap 
from y^ drink they had taken, threw off their coats as 
if to fight som body or som thing, they knew not 
what. And there was m"^'' adew befour peace was 
restor'^. 

" M"" Peters, y^ Salem minister, aff y= agonie had 
subsided, w^ make improvement of y^ occacion, re- 
minding that an enemie may suddainlie spring vpp, 
and though small and seeminglie but to bee despised 
make spoyl in any souldjer ranks if pannic be suf- 
fer'^ to get y*^ vpper hand. Courage, w^'^out diccipline, 
does little ; and courage and diccipline both togeth"" 
are nigh vppon worthies w^'^out y*^ souldjer hath full 
comand of himselfe. Y^ true souldjer, unlike y^ hired 
shedder of blood, hath heart to warr onlie for y^ right ; 
and he alone is invincibl. His horn, his rights and his 
libertys he defendeth against enemys W^'^ might ov""- 
poW, w^'^out y^ hand of God, w'^'' is always uplifted for 
y^ right. Yea, haue wee not just scene what a nest 
'of poore despis'^ hornets may do wh^ their hom is 
invaded and their lives endanger'^ ? Manie oth"" wise 
and godle things did M' Peters utter, and spoke 
somewh^ on y*" holie ordinances. 

" Att Rocksberry they had som xrcise at targett 
shooting, y^ musquetts being well charg^ and ringing 
loudlie off in y^ woodes ; but soe manie fireing wide 



ROBERT KEAYNE. lO/ 

of y* marke, and endang^'ing y^ wounding of those 
present, M'' Peters did pleasantlie say tliat y^ safest 
place seem'^ to be close by y^ targett. It was well 
nigh sunsetting when y'^ Companie return'^ and drew 
vp at y*^ door of y^ Co''t Hoiis, for to be dismis'^. God 
be prais^, and giiie y"^ Companie to be a pow"" in y'^ land 
for protexcion of his people against euery adversarie, 
wheth'' Indjan, Dutch, or Devill. Amen." 

Mr. Pinion's allusion to " y^ jewesharpes," needs 
perhaps a word of explanation. The Indian girl 
Sunny Wave was frequently in Boston and much 
allured to the store of Mr. Keayne, where she could 
feast her eyes on the array of pretty things so attrac- 
tive to her pale sisters. Sometimes she exchanged 
wampum, baskets, or any comm.odity that her scanty 
store afforded, for his valuables. Among other things 
she purchased a bright red jacket, which she wore in 
such jaunty style, with her white flowing plumes, that 
she made herself an extremely picturesque object. 
Some said that Mr. Keayne made " two for one " 
profit on the jacket ; in other words cheated her. 
But she was so well pleased with her bargain, as she 
viewed herself in the little toy looking-glass that he 
threw in with the purchase, that she made no com- 
plaint. 

She was sometimes commissioned by others of her 
tribe to make purchases for them, and brought many 
to the store with their barter. Indeed it may be said 
that she was an active little commercial drummer, 
and the first solicitor of the kind that a Boston mer- 
chant ever had ; and through her agency the crafty 
trader was enabled to drive a profitable Indian traffic. 



I08 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

He always found her perfectly honest, and would have 
trusted her in any way. Her intelligence enabled 
her to very well understand a bargain, though it was 
more difficult to make her understand the advantage 
of accumulation, or why one should work and strive 
as the white folk did, to save up for necessities that 
might never come. He delighted to instruct her in 
the ways of the white men respecting trade, the value 
of money, and kindred matters. But his instruction, 
though fully comprehended, did not strike sufficiently 
deep to make her deceitful or selfish. 

But about the jewsharps. On the momentous 
occasion of the great parade described, just as the 
Company took up their line of march, what was Capt. 
Keayne's astonishment to see some forty young In- 
dians join on to the rear, each with a jewsharp, on 
which he began to play with might and main. 

Most of the soldiers broke out in uncontrollable 
laughter at the ludicrousness of the unexpected scene, 
for the tawny apparitions strode on with measured 
step and with a solemnity of countenance that plainly 
showed they thought themselves playing an important 
part in a very splendid affair. And they strained 
their powers to the utmost to bring out the full force 
of the instruments. But the ire of the Captain was 
instantly a-blaze, and he determined on punishing the 
audacious attempt at niockery, as he supposed it, 
with merited severity, and on the spot. He ordered 
a halt, and with drawn sword rushed toward the 
unwelcome recruits. They scattered like sheep before 
a pursuing wolf — over stone walls, through mud 
holes, and by every short cut to the woods. Pres- 



ROBERT KEAYNE. lOQ 

ently not one remained. But a number of jewsharps 
were gathered up. 

Captain Keayne carefully examined the recovered 
instruments for a short time, and then declared that 
they had heen stolen from his store. Had the savages 
made a raid upon his premises in his absence — 
perhaps murdering the one left in charge, and carrying 
off all his goods ? The apprehension was almost 
overpowering, brave soldier as he was. 

Putting the Lieutenant in command, he hastened 
back to his store with fear and trembling. And there 
he found — what } why, the little witch Sunny Wave, 
sitting behind the counter, calm as a summer morning, 
embroidering a moccasin ; yet, had he looked closely, 
he might have noticed just the slightest shade of a 
twinkle in her bright, merry eye. She was all alone, 
the attendant having gone off to training, not suppos- 
ing customers would come on such a holiday. She 
happened along very opportunely for him, and con- 
sented to remain, as he did not dare to actually shut 
up shop. And he had no hesitancy in leaving her in 
charge, as every body knew her to be entirely trust- 
worthy. 

But the mischievous sprite had not been there alone 
long, when there came down the road, on their way 
to the training, a large delegation of the young men 
of the neighboring tribes. In a moment she seized 
all the jewsharps in the store, that she could lay 
hands on, and distributed them among her friends, 
instructing them to fall in at the rear of the Company, 
and to play with all their might. Five or six little 
tin horns were added to the harps to eke out the 



no II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

number, as they were all eager to join the band. As 
the instruments were supplied from the store of the 
Captain, they naturally enough concluded that the 
duty they were called to was in accordance with the 
programme ; and accepted their part with conscious 
dignity. 

When Mr. Keayne arrived at his store, panting, and 
agitated by the direst apprehensions, there, as just 
observed, he found Sunny Wave sitting quietly at 
work. And when he had succeeded in unburdening 
himself, she, with all the freedom imaginable unbur- 
dened herself She told him that she supplied the 
jewsharps from the store, and should pay for every 
one that was missing ; adding that she " meant all 
for very good," and hoped she had done " no wicked." 
Her innocency at once disarmed the good man of any 
thing like resentment ; and he was so pleased with 
what he now really believed was intended to honor 
him, that he declared he would take no pay from her, 
and was sorry he had drawn his sword on her friends. 
And he further propitiated her by the noble gift of 
six or eight raisins. Then he hastened back to his 
command, in the best of spirits, leaving the dusky 
maid still in charge of the store. But for years after 
he was subjected to flings about his jewsharp band, 
from the ill-mannered people whom he had the mis- 
fortune to oftend. And I will venture to say of the 
band itself that the renowned Gilmore never led a 
company who felt more pride than they when they 
first fell into rank ; for the Indians were such lovers 
of music that even the rattlesnake had charms for 
them. Their pride, however, had a shocking fall 



ROBERT KEAYNE. I I I 

when Captain Keayne charged on them so fiercely 
with his drawn sword. 

During the earHer years of the Ancient and Hon- 
orable Artillery Company, its ranks were adorned by 
some of the best and most prominent men in the 
community. Indeed such has been the case through 
its whole history ; a circumstance which has always 
given it character, and placed it beyond the fears and 
suspicions entertained at the time of its organization — 
the fact that Governor Andros was afraid of it being 
decidedly in its favor. That it was of great benefit 
in regulating the discipline of the colonial military 
there is no doubt. Some of the most eminent of the 
commanders in the French and Indian wars were 
members, and it was long recognized as a school 
of tactics. And even at this day — when we may 
perhaps say that its usefulness has ended and it has 
become merely a dignified plaything — historians and 
genealogists are accustomed to esteem membership 
an honor worthy of particular mention. For a great 
many years, every member of the Company was 
required to furnish two bondsmen — probably as 
sureties for good behavior, and for the payment of 
dues. 

And now, while military affairs are under consider- 
ation, it is pertinent to introduce a few of the regu- 
lations established by the General Court, for the 
purpose of giving an insight into several matters 
connected with the discipline of the colonial soldiery 
at a later period. They are selected from the " Lawes 
and Ordinances of Warr, passed by the General Court 
of Massachusetts, [October 13, 1675,] for the better 



112 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

regulating their forces, and keeping theire souldjers 
to theire duty, and to prevent prophaness, that iniquity 
may be kept out of the campe." It will be recollected 
that 1675 was the time of King Philip's war. 

" Let no man presume to blaspheme the holy and 
blessed Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and 
God the Holy Ghost, vpon payne to haue his tongue 
bored w* a hott iron. ^ " Vnlawfull oathes and 
execrations and scandalous acts, in derogation of 
Gods honour, shall be punished w"^ losse of pay and 
other punishment, at discretion. ^ " All those who 
often and wilfully absent themselves from the publick 
worship of God and prayer shall be proceeded against 
at discretion. ^ " No man shall presume to quarrel 
w''^ his superiour officers vpon pajne of caslieiring 
and arbitrary punishment ; nor to strike any such 
vpon payne of death. ^ " No man shall resist, 
draw, lift, or offer to draw or lift, his weapon against 
his officer, correcting him orderly, for his defence 
vpon pajne of death. ^ " No man shall vtter any 
words of sedition or mutiny, vpon pajne of death. 
^ " Drunkenes in an officer shall be punished w**^ 
losse of place, and in a private souldier shall be pun- 
ished w"' such punishment as a Court Martiall shall 
thinke fitt. ^ " Rapes, rauishments, unnatural abuses 
and adultery shall be punished with death. .^ " Theft, 
robbery, shall be punished w^'^ restitution, and other- 
wise w"' discretion. ^ " Murder shall be expiated 
w**" the death of the murderer. ^ " If any shall 
negligently lose or sinfully play away theire armee at 
dice or cards, or other wayes, they shall be kept as 
pyone's or scavingers till they furnish themselues with 



ROBERT KEAYXE. I I 3 

as good amies. ^ " None shall presume to spoyle, 
sell, or carry away any amunition comitted vnto him, 
vpon payne of death. *|[ " No souldier shall outstay 
his passe w^'^out a cirtifficat of the occasion vnder the 
hand of a magistrate, vpon payne of loosing his pay. 
" By grievous punishment is meant disgraceing, by 
casheiring, the strappadoe, or riding the wooden horse 
to fetch blood. ^ " Arbitrary punishment, or pun- 
ishment at discretion, is meant not to extend to 
hazard life or limbe." 

I have had occasion elsewhere to remark that the 
General Court was no respecter of persons. No 
matter how high a position an individual maintained, 
or however valuable his services may have been, if he 
transgressed the laws it went hard with him. There 
was no back door through which the rich delinquent 
could escape, as some miserable grumblers pretend is 
the case in these days of vigorous patriotism and 
subdued selfishness. 

Mr. Keayne was accustomed to keep for sale at his 
store in Boston, articles of almost every description 
in common use. Now it was a weakness of some 
of the shopkeepers in those days, occasionally to give 
way to the temptation to charge a large profit on 
their goods, as large, indeed, as the necessity of the 
customer would induce him to pay ; a weakness that 
it is agreeable to observe modern shopkeepers tower 
far above. And the evil attained to such a growth 
that the people in their innocency called it extortion, 
and the Court set about enacting laws for its restraint ; 
laws in the nature of what we call sumptuary, though 

8 



114 n. SHINING LIGHTS. 

I do not know that that abused word then caused 
much fluttering or distress. 

Unfortunately, Mr. Keayne, not being sufficiently 
watchful of the acquisitive propensity, fell into the 
evil habit under notice. A few words from Win- 
throp's journal will show how the. matter stood. And 
here it may be remarked that this and our other 
extracts from that much prized work are from Savage's 
edition, wherein the orthography is modernized. This 
modernizing is a matter of taste ; but the peculiarities 
of the old style as they appear in the jottings of Mr. 
Pinion, for instance, seem to me rather more in keep- 
ing. Winthrop, then, says : 

" At a General Court holden at Boston, great com- 
plaint was made of the oppression used in the country 
in the sale of foreign commodities ; and Mr. Robert 
Keayne, who kept a shop in Boston, was notoriously 
above others observed and complained of; and being 
convented, he was charged with many particulars ; in 
some, for taking above six pence in the shilling profit ; 
in some, above eight pence ; and in some small things, 
above two for one ; and being hereof convict, (as 
appears by the records,) he was fined ;^200, which 
came thus to pass : The Deputies considered, apart, 
of his fine, and set it at ;^200 ; the Magistrates 
agreed but to ;^ioo. So the Court being divided, at 
length it was agreed that his fine should be ;^200, 
but he should pay but ;^ioo, and the other should be 
respited to the further consideration of the next Gen- 
eral Court. By this means the Magistrates and Dep- 
uties were brought to an accord, which otherwise 
had not been likely, and so much trouble might have 



ROBERT KEAYNE. II5 

grown, and the offender escaped censure. For the 
cry of the country was so great against oppression, 
and some of the elders and Magistrates had declared 
such detestation of the corrupt practice of this man 
(which was the more observable, because he was 
wealthy and sold dearer than most other tradesmen, 
and for that he was of ill-report for the like covetous 
practice in England, that incensed the Deputies very 
much against him.) And sure the course was very 
evil, especial circumstances considered : i. He being 
an ancient professor of the gospel : 2. A man of 
eminent parts : 3. Wealthy and having but one 
child : 4. Having come over for conscience' sake, 
and for the advancement of the gospel here : 5. Hav- 
ing been formerly dealt with and admonished, both 
by private friends and also by some of the Magistrates 
and elders, and having promised reformation ; being 
a member of a church and commonwealth now in 
their infancy, and under the curious observation of all 
churches and civil states in the world. These added 
much aggravation to his sin in the judgment of all 
men of understanding." 

After the sentence of the Court, Mr. Keayne had 
the ordeal of the church to go through. And before 
that body, as the author just quoted from says, "he 
did with tears acknowledge and bewail his covetous 
and corrupt heart, yet making some excuse for many 
of the particulars which were charged upon him, as 
partly by pretense of ignorance of the true price of 
some wares, and chiefly by being misled by some 
false principles, as: i. That if a man lost in one 
commodity he might help himself in the price of 



Il6 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

another : 2. That if through want of skill or other 
occasion, his commodity cost him more than the 
price of the market in England, he might then sell it 
for more than the price of the market in New England, 
etc." That sort of wholesome repentance might be 
recommended for the Boston shopkeepers of this day 
could it by any possibility be imagined that they were 
ever guilty of taking too high a price for their goods. 

Mr. Keayne was a brother-in-law of the Rev. Mr. 
Wilson ; a fact which might have had some slight 
influence on the action of the church, for he was only 
admonished by that body, though there was a strong 
effort made to excommunicate him. It should be 
mentioned, however, that the occasion was seized on 
by that other puritanical light. Rev. Mr. Cotton, to 
lay open what he conceived to be some of the false 
principles acted upon in trade, and also to announce 
certain true .principles. And he in reality sets his 
standard at a most commendable elevation. For the 
benefit especially of our worthy friends the shopkeep- 
ers I will here introduce some points of his lecture : 

These are false principles : " i . That a man might 
sell as dear as he can, and buy as cheap as he can. 
2. If a man lose by casualty of sea, etc., in some of his 
commodities, he may raise the price of the rest. 3. 
That he may sell as he bought, though he paid too 
dear, etc., and though the commodity be fallen, etc. 
4. That, as a man may take advantage of his own 
skill or ability, so he may of another's ignorance or 
necessity. 5. Where one gives time for payment, he 
is to take like recompense of one as another." 

These are true principles : " i. A man may not 



ROBERT KEAYNE. 11/ 

sell above the current price, i. e. such a price as is 
usual in the time and place, and as another (who 
knows the worth of the commodity) would give for 
it if he had occasion to use it ; as that is called current 
money, which every man will take, etc. 2. When a 
man loseth in his commodity for want of skill, etc., 
he must look at it as his own fault or cross, and 
therefore must not lay it upon another. 3. Where a 
man loseth by casualty of sea, or, etc., it is a loss 
cast upon himself by providence, and he may not ease 
himself of it by casting it upon another ; for so a man 
should seem to provide against all providences, etc., 
that he should never lose ; but where there is a 
scarcity of the commodity, there men may raise their 
price ; for now it is a hand of God upon the commo- 
dity, and not the person. 4. A man may not ask 
any more for his commodity than his selling price, as 
Ephron to Abraham, the land is worth thus much." 
A man who heartily complies with all these tnte 
principles, may be considered as having attained the 
very alpine height of honest dealing and need no 
longer cry excelsior. But we are constrained to add 
that if every trader who trespassed upon them were 
expelled from the churches, there would not be enough 
left to shovel the snow from the doors in winter. It 
seems as if the venerable preacher could not have 
considered the third point in his true principles, in all 
its bearings ; or did not foresee how often, in our day, 
the hand of the speculator and monopolist, instead of 
the hand of God, was the only apparent agency in 
creating a scarcity. But we thank him for his high 
toned morality. The prevailing sentiment of tliis 



Il8 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

age would not require all that he proposes ; but if he 
is too strict we are too loose. Most people, now, I 
suppose, would regard as rather sublimated the moral- 
ity that would require a man who has lost his property, 
to respect the loss as a special providence, and any 
attempt to regain it an impiety, on the ground that 
it would be endeavoring to defeat God's purpose ; 
but this only shows our abandonment of good old 
puritanical doctrine. 

And here, were we disposed to moralize, a favorable 
opportunity is presented. That low, but overflowing 
class who make the attainment of wealth the great 
purpose of life are certainly worthy objects of pity ; 
for they occupy themselves in gathering what can 
never be enjoyed excepting in the dispensing. Fools 
may gather wealth and it is they who hold on to it 
after it is gathered, as life's end and purpose. The 
wise only know how to use it, treating it as a means, 
not an end. The recently deceased London banker, 
and New Englander by birthright, has come to be 
reckoned one of the truest lights that ever adorned 
the firmament of wealth ; and when he shot from his 
sphere he left a bright mark which will not for many 
generations fade away. Princes and lords were in his 
funeral train, and a requiem was chanted over him 
within walls where rest the noblest poets, statesmen, 
heroes and sovereigns the world has known ; and his 
praises filled two continents. This was not because 
he was a rich man, but because he employed his 
riches in a way that good men and wise men every 
where approved. A great many men as rich as he 
have died and were never heard of after. 



ROBERT KEAYNE. I I9 

But it may be remarked that they were accustomed 
to admit in all courts, yea, in the General Court itself, 
testimony of the loosest character, and such as would 
not be allowed at this day in any court that was not 
literally an inferior one. There was an example in 
the case of Mr. Keayne. Savage, in speaking of it, 
says he saw an affidavit of one Thomas Wiltshire, 
stating that for work done at Capt. Keayne's house, 
there was due him thirty-eight shillings, and that 
Keayne sold him a piece of broadcloth, " which he 
said was Spanish broadcloth, and delivered for pay- 
ment to this deponent at seventeen shillings per yard, 
the which cloth this deponent showed to Henry 
Shrimpton, and he said it was not worth above ten 
shillings per yard, for it was but cloth rash, and so 
said Goodman Read, and his wife showed a waistcoat 
of the same kind of cloth, which cost but nine shillings 
per yard, and in this deponent's judgment was better 
cloth ; and this deponent showed the same cloth to 
Mr. Rock, and he said it was worth but ten shillings 
per yard, for it was but cloth rash, and this deponent 
showed it also to Mr. Stoddard and he said likewise 
that it was cloth rash, and was not worth above ten 
shillings per yard, and was dear enough at that price, 
or words to that effect." 

But it is fair to give Mr. Keayne himself a chance 
to say something in his justification or defense. His 
will may be found among the Suffolk records, in 
Boston, and is certainly a gem for the curious. It 
was written by his own hand, and occupies a hundred 
and fifty-eight folio pages. In it, he allows a wide 
scope to his pen, defending himself against slanders, 



120 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

rebuking his enemies, extolling his friends, explaining 
his faith, expressing his regard for his pet child, the 
Artillery Company, and in short touching on whatever 
he seems to have thought necessary to set himself 
right before the world he was about to leave ; enli- 
vening the whole with right and left lampoons, for 
which his approaching exit would prevent retaliation. 
Alluding to the " haynous offence," as he calls it, of 
selling goods at too great a profit, for which the Court 
had imposed such a heavy punishment, he says : 
" For selling a good bridle for 2s. ; now worse are 
sold without offence for 3^. and 6d. ; nayles for yd. 
and 2>d. ; nayles for lod. per lb. frequently for a great 
deal more, and so in other things ; selling gold but- 
tons for two shillings nine pence a dozen, that cost 
above 2s. in London, and yet neuer payd for by them 
that complayned. These were the great matters in 
w'^'' I had offended." But, says he, elsewhere, in touch- 
ing fable, "If the lyon will say the lamb is a foxe it 
must be so, the lamb must be content to bear it." 

I have made some efibrts to discover the location 
of Mr. Keayne's store, and find that he changed his 
quarters several times — twice on account of fire. 
At or about the jewsharp epoch, however, he seems 
to have kept in a shabby little ten-foot structure on 
or very near the now eligible site at present occupied 
by the serene old literary rookery at the corner of 
Washington and School streets. There the great 
sign, in black and yellow emblazoned his name, and 
the numerous brood of little signs in black and white 
set forth the chief articles of his trade, to the admira- 
tion of all the good people. There was no newspaper 



ROBERT KEAYNE. 121 

I 

advertising in those days ; no, nor were there any 
newspapers to stir up the wits and the bile of the 
good people. Neighborhood gossips retailed the news, 
and smoky tap-rooms were the seats of discussion on 
the doings of the wide world. When the impudent 
little printing i^ress was established at Cambridge, 
however, there now and then flew abroad a rebellious 
sheet of a hand's breadth, which created a marked 
sensation throughout the colonial borders ; for even 
in that generally uncorrupt period of our history 
there were ambitious aspirants and surly malcontents. 

Every body who has examined the records of the 
General Court cannot fail to have observed how very 
frequentl}^ the name of Mr. Keayne appears — some- 
times in most odd connections. And the curious as 
well as vexatious incidents and lawsuits attendant on 
the case of the stray szvine will not be forgotten. The 
developments show that he had relentless enemies, 
such as were ever ready to sully his reputation. But 
as it is true that a man must be weak, who cannot 
do enough good deeds to provoke the evil-minded to 
malign him, so it is also true that a man who gathers 
around him from the various classes an extensive 
circle of enemies cannot be without faults, however 
meritorious many of his individual acts may be. And 
one is of course more properly judged by his general 
reputation than by isolated facts. The swine story 
may be briefly told in this way : 

A Mrs. Sherman lost a swine, and at about the 
same time a four-footed vagrant of the same descrip- 
tion strolled into the premises of Mr. Keayne and 

F 



122 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

was there hospitably entertained as an estray. Like 
an honest man he had the animal cried throughout 
the town ; but for almost a year no claimant appeared. 
He had put it into the pen with his own pig, and 
there the two had lived lovingly together till his own 
became, in unctuous junks, a tenant of the pork barrel. 
Mrs. Sherman now appeared and claimed that the 
estray was hers ; and after an examination of the 
survivor declared that her neighbor had made pork 
of hers instead of his own. Her husband was then 
in England ; but she had spirit enough to pursue the 
matter in his absence. She got it before the church ; 
but that tribunal, after a fair examination, acquitted 
him. She then managed to have it brought up in the 
inferior court at Boston, but was no more successful 
than before the church ; indeed she found herself at 
much greater disadvantage, for her antagonist, after 
being acquitted, commenced a suit against her and 
one George Story, who aided and abetted her in her 
legal experiments, and recovered ;£20 damages for 
their slanders. Story, we hope, was not a progenitor 
of the respectable Story family now about Boston, for 
we should not like to have them disgraced by such 
an impenitent moral vagabond ; and by the same 
token we hope that the veins of our great General 
Sherman are free from the blood of Story's crony in 
the swinish contest. But be those things as they may, 
this Story bore no good-will toward Mr. Keayne, as 
the latter had, of course out of pure regard for the 
moral health of the community, had him brought 
before the Governor for living at Mrs. Sherman's 
house, under suspicious circumstances, during her 



ROBERT KEAYNE. I 23 

husband's absence. But Story, as well as Mrs. Sher- 
man, must have possessed great perseverance and 
tenacity of purpose, for they kept the matter ferment- 
ing until they succeeded in getting a petition in Mr. 
Sherman's name received in the General Court, for a 
rehearing of the swine case, before that august body. 
Nearly a week was occupied in examining and discus- 
sing the great points involved — nearly a week ! think 
of that, ye impatient members of the present day — 
and this result was arrived at : 

" In the case between RiclVd Sherman & Capt. 
Keayne, this was propounded to vote : Whether the 
defend' bee found to have bene possest of the plain- 
tiffs sowe, & converted her to his owne use or not ; it 
was voted by 2 magistrates & 15 deputies for the 
plaintifle, & by 7 magistrates & 8 deputies for the 
defend', & 7 deputies were newters." [Court Records, 
June 14, 1642. 

So they had shirks in those days, and called them 
by the expressive name of neuters. What should we 
of this day call them if any should happen now to 
appear .'' But even this authoritative expression of the 
Great and General Court did not subdue the inflam- 
mation. Long after, it was seething in the bowels 
of the law. The final result seems to have been that 
Mr. Keayne was legally successful ; but so many 
things were raked up against him that his reputation 
greatly suffered. He was no doubt very unfortunate 
in allowing petty annoyances to throw him off his 
balance, and in giving his resentment for little injuries 
too free play. Such things always give advantage 
to mean and vulgar enemies. 



124 n. SHINING LIGHTS. 

The swine case was long regarded as a leading one 
in New England, for several important questions 
attached themselves to it, particularly that touching 
the effect of a negative vote of the magistrates. We 
are all aware how lovingly the Senators and Repre- 
sentatives of the present day labor together with a 
single eye to the public good. But in ancient times 
there occasionally arose a little unfortunate disagree- 
ment between the Magistrates, or the upper house, 
and the Deputies, or lower house ; once or twice, 
sufficient to clog the wheels for a time. 

Winthrop, in narrating the swine case, says of Mr. 
Keayne, " Being of ill-report in the country for a hard 
■dealer in his course of trading, and having been for- 
merly censured in the Court and in the church also, 
by admonition for such offences, carried many weak 
minds strongly against him. And the truth is, he 
was very worthy of blame in that kind, as divers 
others in the country were also in those times, though 
they were not detected as he was ; yet to give every 
man his due, he was very useful to the country, both 
by his hospitality and otherwise. But one dead fly 
spoils much good ointment." 

And so ended what has been called the first great 
law-suit in Boston. 

At the commencement of the October session of 
the General Court, in 1646, Mr. Keayne was called to 
preside over the deliberations of the House, though 
he occupied the dignified position but one day, grace- 
fully yielding the honor and danger to Mr. Bridges 
of Lynn. 

And now a painful point in the character of Mr. 



ROBERT KEAYNE. 125 

Keayne must be touched upon. The unwelcome 
ghost has kept rearing itself all along, but we have 
succeeded in driving it before us till there appears na 
further way to avoid entertaining it and preserve 
the integrity of our promise to give faithful views of 
character. He who delights in detailing the imper- 
fections of the dead, excepting for the real good of the 
living, delights in a very mean business. Indeed it 
is only a mean mind that can take delight in unneces- 
sarily exhibiting the frailties of others, liv.'ng or dead. 

By the high authority of the Colonial Records it 
appears that he was intemperate. Whether his habits 
in that particular were contracted at an early period,, 
or whether he was very much given to his cups, does 
not appear ; and I do not feel called upon to pursue 
the inquiry. Upon the records of the General Court 
appears the following : 

" Whereas, Capt. Rob' Keayne beinge acused to 
this Court for drunkenes, the evidences having been 
perused, & findeing that he is proved to have been 
three times drunke, and to have drunke to excess 
two times, for which offences the Court doth fine him 
thirty six shillings & eyght pence ; the charge of the 
witnesses appearinge by examination to be the sume 
of fiffty fine shillinges & two pence, which this Court 
orders Capt. Keayne to discharge. And whereas 
Capt. Keayne hath petitioned this Court to lay down 
his place as comision'', this Court doth assent thereto, 
as judging him not meet to contynue therein." [Court 
Records, May 31, 1652. 

So he was " proved to have been three times 
drunke, and to have drunke to excess two times." 



126 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

But without stopping to inquire what the Court 
understood to be the difference between getting drunk 
and drinking to excess, or whether three instances 
of drunkenness were with them sufficient to constitute 
a common drunkard, as our jurists claim, we pass on to 
remark that it is sad to have such a conspicuous and in 
several respects meritorious man go out of the world 
leaving such a character on the public records. But 
excepting this, his evil-report seems, in a great meas- 
ure, to have arisen from his exercise of that shrewd- 
ness and watered-probity which in our day is deemed 
almost necessary in the making up of a smart business 
man. 

It has been before remarked that he left a volumin- 
ous and curious will, in which he managed to inwarp 
a sort of autobiography, explaining some of his ques- 
tionable acts and endeavoring to set himself right 
with the world ; enlivening the mass by an occasional 
lunge at his enemies, as well as doing some violence 
to English grammar. Witness the following. He 
gives to the two children of his wife's brother, " Ten 
pounds, to be equally devided between them ; to be 
payd in two cowes to be kept for their vse. If any be 
inquisitive, why I do no more for him or his, being a 
brother, my answer is, I have done very much for 
him in England, in releasing him out of prisons, 
furnishing him with a stocke to set vp his trade, &c. 
when he had spent all his owne in takeing vp many 
quarrellsome businesses, which he in his distempered 
fitts had plunged himselfe into ; yet I compounded 
them, sent him over into New England, when his 
life was in some hazard, paid his passage, and some 



ROBERT KEAYNE. 12/ 

of his debts for him in Eng. and lent him money to 
furnish himselfe with clothes and other necessarys 
for his voyage, till for his distempered carriages, I was 
fayne to putt him out of my house. He was never 
qixet from disturbing my whole family, pursueing me 
with complaints to our eld's that he would haue cutt 
my throate with his false accusations, if it had leyn 
in his power. All my kindnes hath been putt into a 
broken bag ; an vnthankfuU p^'son, y^ hath euer re- 
warded my good w"^ evil, though I desire to forgive 
him. Some may think these things had beene better 
buryed, yet seeing God hath not helped him to ac- 
knowledge his sine, nor truely to repent of it, I think 
it is of vse. They that doe expect loue from their 
friends, had not need abuse them, but show loue and 
respect to them. I haue the rather made mention 
of these things, to vindicate myself from the censures 
of others, who else might haue thought the hardlier 
of me for seeming to neglect him." 

Mr. Keayne was unhappy in some of his family 
connections. His only son, Benjamin, married a 
daughter of Governor Thomas Dudley. But she 
seems not to have proved what she should have been, 
and a separation took place, and he went oft" to Eng- 
land. By her blemishes of character she became 
greatly reduced in social position, and in 1647 was 
excommunicated. The will mentions the " vnhappy 
match." Benjamin had an only child, a daughter, 
who seems to have inclined to the wayward walks 
of her mother. For the granddaughter, the will pro- 
vides well, but enjoins that no part of what is left for 
her shall in any event go to her mother. A charge 



128 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

is also given that in case Benjamin should die before 
his daughter comes of age, she should be disposed 
of for her future education to some wise and godly 
mistress or family where she may have her carnal 
disposition most of all subdued and reformed by strict 
discipline. And a further charge is that care and 
assistance should be seasonably given to provide 
"some fit and godly match proportionate to her 
estate and condition, that she may live comfortably 
and be fit to do good in her place, and not be circum- 
vented and cast herself away upon some swaggering 
gentleman or other that will look more after the 
enjoying of what she hath, than live in the fear 
of God, and true love to her." It is a blessed thing 
that there are no such " swaggering gentlemen " in 
these days, prowling about to circumvent the innocent 
damsels, looking more after the enjoyment of what 
they have than the pleasures of true love. 

Harvard College, the school and the town of Boston, 
are likewise remembered in the will, as well as several 
of the ministers, quite a number of individuals who 
had befriended him in one way and another, and his 
" three negars." 

Though it is apparent that Mr. Keayne had what 
Dr. Johnson calls an unpliable understanding, and 
was prone to greet his offending neighbors with such 
epithets as sounded very unlike blessings ; and though 
he was entirely unable to so discipline himself as to 
pass unnoticed the common annoyances and small 
indignities of life, it is yet apparent that he was far 
from being ungrateful. And gratitude is one of the 
most corrective and ennobling traits. 



ROBERT KEAYNE. 1 29 

The will, though singular in many of its provisions 
and details, and particularly in its summaries, and 
though constructed in a strange manner, bears evi- 
dence, nevertheless, of having been prepared consci- 
entiously and with a strong desire to make the riches 
which were soon to fall from his grasp subserve some 
good end. He seems to have suspected that the doc- 
ument might meet with criticism, for he says in a 
codicil. " It is very likely, those w'^'' come to heare, 
or reade over this my will, may meete with some 
tawtollegies w'^'^ they may thinke to be vaine repeti- 
tions ; and some censure it to be of an vnsettled 
minde, as if I was not compus mentis. I would pray 
them not so to thinke, but impute it to the weaknes 
of my memory." 

Mr. Keayne died in Boston, on the 23d of March, 
1656. He was a man of medium stature, active, and 
capable of great physical endurance. He was very 
particular about his personal appearance, and in defi- 
ance of the censures of the Court and the church, 
would have his dress-doublet trimmed with gold lace, 
and allow his hair to sport in tresses of scandalous 
length. He persisted also in wearing great boots — 
so enormous, indeed, that he could comfortably have 
walked home with half a peck of clams in each. This 
was a great offence to his law-abiding neighbors, and 
the source of unfeigned grief to his brothers and 
sisters of the spiritual fold. His intemperance was 
innocence compared with it. The Governor himself 
was greatly moved by his persistency, and on several 
occasions, while seated on the bench near the door 
of the Colony House, labored with him against the 
F* 9 



130 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

indecorum and impiety, pointing significantly to the 
stocks on the other side of the way, as the place to 
which the evil one was luring him by those leather 
decoys. 

Over his left eye was a conspicuous scar ; and 
though he at different periods alleged that it was pro- 
duced by various honorable encounters, I feel called 
upon to state the following as the true occasion : 
Some half dozen Indians strolled into his store, one 
morning, bringing a bundle of valuable furs for sale. 
Having a large dead stock of fine-tooth combs on 
hand, he at once offered to each of the Indians one 
of these for his share of the furs. They did not know 
what the things were made for ; and so he proceeded 
to give a practical lesson in their use. And as the 
insect shower fell on the counter from the docile 
head that leaned over, they were quite astonished ; 
but yet with provoking coolness signified their distrust 
of the expediency of so disturbing the peaceful inhab- 
itants of their polls, and began to gaze around for 
some other article of barter. Just then a happy 
thought seized him. He wrapped a thin paper about 
one of the combs, and putting it to his lips produced 
such dulcet strains as proved irresistible to the dusky 
traders. Not another word was required. Each took 
his instrument, and they all marched off playing in 
high glee. 

By the time they had arrived home they were quite 
exhausted from the expenditure of breath. And being 
tired of blowing, they undertook, after taking a meal 
and resting, to put the combs to a legitimate use on 
the heads of their squaws. Not being adepts in the 



ROBERT KEAYNE. 13 I 

use of the implements, they held them upright and 
with all their might sawed down upon the greasy 
pates. The harrowing was fearful, and the struggles 
of the poor women under the torture so desperate 
that it required all the power of the operators to hold 
them. The blood fell in profusion, and hosts of the 
animalcule were drowned in the red seas thus formed. 
By this violent use, interspersed by an occasional 
whetting on a rough stone, the combs were soon 
in a dilapidated condition. So they sent one of their 
number back to Mr. Keayne with the fragments, and 
full authority to demand satisfaction — but satisfaction 
for what, did not readily occur to the merchant as he 
contemplated the basket of liiribs and skeletons. His 
ire kindled as the tawny diplomatist began to wax 
impudent, and he presently sent the whole collection, 
basket and all, whizzing into the road, and in very 
strong terms recommended his visitor to follow them, 
at quick step, if he valued his bodily health. And 
going to the door he accelerated the motion of the 
retreating savage by a threat of confinement in the 
pillory, a threat which had a peculiar terror to him, 
as he had once before experienced the enjoyments 
of that reformatory institution. But as he departed, 
he muttered such threats as indicated the rising of a 
counter squall. 

It was but a few mornings after the unsatisfactory 
conference of Mr. Keayne with the Indian, just de- 
tailed, that, as he was hastening down the lane toward 
his store, an arrov/, shot with murderous force from 
behind a tree, struck him just above the eye, inflicting 
a very serious wound. He was stunned, but remem- 



132 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

bered seeing an Indian spring over the wall and dash 
off toward the Roxbury road, and hearing him ejacu- 
late in excited snatches, " Ho, bad white man ! cheat 
Indjan! sick head-rakes ! shoot! Indjan drunk! swear! 
shoot ! " The wound healed, but the scar remained, 
answering the useful purposes before alluded to. 

But we must now part company with Mr. Keayne. 
And as his form recedes, may be allowed whisperingly 
to remark that he was a man, who, notwithstanding 
his faults, had influential and steadfast friends ; and 
who, notwithstanding his virtues, had persistent and 
rancorous enemies. Indeed it is only the lukewarm 
that has neither friend nor enemy ; and he was any 
thing but lukewarm. That he was irritable and, far 
too much inclined to resent small indignities is no 
doubt true ; and that was enough to give him a sort 
of neighborhood unpopularity. But yet, in great 
matters, he was able to take a fair and comprehensive 
view ; and this gave him influence in public affairs. 
He was selfish ; but in pursuing his ends, if he could 
also promote the public good he was glad to do it. 
In other words, he delighted to help the public if he 
could do so while helping himself; and hence, while 
some denounced him as a mere selfish grasper, others 
called him public-spirited. Alas, how much of what 
the world calls magnanimity and generosity, after all 
springs from arrant selfishness. 

He saw that agriculture and the fisheries must for 
many years be the chief productive employments 
of the settlers, and with alacrity set about doing what 
he could to promote those interests. He imported 



ROBERT KEAYNE. 133 

three of the first plows that ever scratched the rough 
back of New England, and immediately rented them 
out to the farmers. True, he gained something, and 
the surly farmers enjoyed grumbling at what they 
thought his unreasonable demands ; but the small 
husbandry of the times was greatly benefited by his 
plows. He also invested in "certain improved spin- 
ning-wheels, which he let out to indigent dames, in 
the same way, who grumbled, as the wheels rumbled, 
about his exactions. Poor human nature ! It is 
even so with the benevolent gentlemen of our day 
who rent to those who are too poor to purchase, those 
other household necessities — piano fortes — whose 
music has now altogether superseded the vulgar mu- 
sic of the spinning-wheel. He also imported some 
improved fishing gear, and thus helped the fishermen 
who growled at his puces as they counted over their 
increased fares ; though the poor sore-mouthed fishes 
had the best reason to complain. 

In his course as a member of the General Court, 
it is evident that right, rather than expediency, was 
his guiding star, the chilling sentiment of the English 
peer who declared that conscience was unparliament- 
ary, finding no resjionse in his mind. And it is a 
blessed thing that the legislators of our day so univer- 
sally follow his example. And it will do no harm to 
remind the reader that in the course of this sketch it 
has sufficiently appeared that the Court at that time 
was no respecter of persons ; no white-washer of 
delinquents, high or low ; no disguiser of miscarriages 
under softened terms which change what should be 
stern censures into almost sycophantic praise. And 



134 ^^- SHINING LIGHTS. 

this was right and wholesome — better for the charac- 
ter of the Court itself, and better far for the public 
interest and for the maintenance of good morals. 

He left the world in vigorous christian faith and 
hope, though, as has already appeared, he could not 
forego the opportunity to lash some of his enemies, 
in his last will and testament. Let us think kindly 
of his frailties, for we do not know how hard he strug- 
gled against them. We all regard the vices and temp- 
tations of our fellow-men as of easy conquest ; but 
when the battle is our own, we are apt to find that 
even small vices and evil habits can maintain an 
obstinate, prolonged, and often successful contest. 



HACHALIAH GROUT. 

Mr. Grout was a Representative for the first time, 
I think, in 1650. But from that period, "off and on," 
he was a member of the Court for some twenty-five 
years. He came over among the early immigrants, 
being then quite a young man, and appears for a long 
time to have sustained the character and experienced 
the fortunes of a rolling stone. His first residence 
was in Dorchester. A few years after, we find him 
in Taunton ; then in Sudbury ; and presently he had 
rolled on to one of the eastern settlements. 

He was characterized by sterling honesty of pur- 
pose, and strong will, without an excess of familiarity ; 



HACHALIAH GROUT. 135 

and on the whole possessed those qualities which, in 
the absence of powerful drawbacks, give influence 
and ensure success. Being for such a period a rolling 
stone he could not gather much of the moss of mam- 
mon ; but he always managed to live comfortably, 
having early contracted habits of industry and frugal- 
ity, those best of sureties against want. Most people 
understand that success in life means the accumula- 
tion of riches ; but that is a miserably low estimate 
of life's duties, and would leave the best part of the 
race out in the cold, so to speak. 

In person, Mr. Grout was tall and straight, with 
wiry hair, and a slight turn of the eye ; the latter 
being useful to him as a politician, as it enabled him, 
if not to look two ways at the same time, at least to 
look in such a way that others were puzzled to deter- 
mine in what direction he did look. His step was 
quick, the heel always striking first, and then the ball 
of the foot, causing a double sound, so that sometimes 
when he approached unseen, he frightened people, 
who thought that some four-footed animal was coming 
upon them. And once he gave to a house the reputa- 
tion of being haunted, from traveling, during a night, 
up and down stairs and about an unoccupied garret 
which he had hired to spread corn in. The poor 
people below thought that surely the evil one was 
rambling about, with his goat team. 

In the House, Mr. Grout was ready in debate, and 
as a part of his generalship made some show of pug- 
nacity ; though that was more apparent than real, for 
he was of a pacific disposition. As he stood earnestly 
engaged in a war of words, his right leg would keep 



136 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

swinging or twitching backward and forward in such 
a demonstrative manner as to impress an antagonist 
with the apprehension that a kick was reasonably to 
be feared if otlier arguments proved ineffectual. 

Law maker though he was, Mr. Grout had great 
repugnance to law as a remedy for the common little 
wrongs of life, though he was at one time appointed 
by the Court to adjudicate in " small cawses," in the 
town where he lived. If there were more like him, 
in every age and community, in his disposition to 
avoid little judicial contentions, it would be a millenial 
blessing. His experience among the small causes 
was quite sufficient to satisfy him of the incalculable 
amount of social bickering and heart-burning pro- 
duced by such means ; to say nothing of the loss of 
time and profitless expenditure. In every little com- 
munity, I am sorry to say, may always be found 
individuals who are everlastingly precipitating them- 
selves into the seething cauldron of the law, and 
dragging their peaceful neighbors with them. Some- 
times, I suppose, they do it from a craving for excite- 
ment ; sometimes for amusement, though for that 
purpose it is rather costly ; but more often from sheer 
ugliness. Such people are social nuisances. It is 
never difficult for a quarrelsome individual to find 
matter for litigation ; his own atmosphere breeds it ; 
and the dissensions he may foster and downright 
losses and wrongs he may inflict are most unpleasant 
to contemplate. 

Mr. Grout had a way of dealing with such pests 
which was generally as effectual as it was summary, 
He would boldly constitute himself judge, jury, and 



HACHALIAH GROUT. 1 3/ 

prosecuting officer, and admit no appeal. Often, when 
he heard of a threatened law-suit between neighbors, 
he would forthwith repair to the parties, make them, 
face to face, state their grievances, cross-question 
them, and then, after silent deliberation — during 
the solemn interval, standing with his hands clasped 
behind him, and looking fixedly upon the ground, as 
if conferring with his fellow worms — in the most 
peremptory if not acrid terms notify them as to what 
was required of each. Being a man of sound sense, 
quick discernment, and irresistible determination, his 
decisions were generally complied with, after a little 
grumbling. But if ever his ire kindled it was when 
his good offices were treated with scorn. It would 
be easy to present numerous instances in which his 
interference was productive of much good and highly 
applauded by the most considerate. But not much 
room can be spared for such details. One or two 
instances, however, should be given. 

At one time two neighbors of his, a farmer and a 
tanner, became involved in a difficulty, and were about 
launching into the troubled waters of a law-suit, which 
threatened to be more than commonly vexatious and 
expensive. The origin of the contention was this : 
The tanner's cow had made a raid into the cornfield 
of the farmer, and carried off all the forage she could 
possibly stow into the natural receptacle she had with 
her. And besides that, she destroyed a great deal 
more by trampling and half masticating. The farmer, 
unfortunately, was not of a very forbearing disposition, 
and becoming quite enraged on beholding the havoc, 
not only demanded exorbitant compensation for the 



138 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

damage, but showered an abundance of left-handed 
blessings upon the cow and her owner, besides assail- 
ing the cloven-footed trespasser with the more effective 
instruments of abuse, stones and clubs. He was, 
indeed, so profuse in his threats and denunciations, 
that the tanner, a man in general very circumspect, 
became exceedingly incensed. 

Matters were in this delicate posture when the 
farmer, a few days after, it being Sunday, was sedately 
pursuing his way to meeting, through the lane that 
led by the tanner's vats. When opposite the most 
capacious pit he heard a splashing and piteous moan, 
as if proceeding from a sufferer in the last struggles. 

He ran up to the stone wall, and looking over, had 
the pleasure of beholding the identical cow whose 
unrestrained appetite for green corn had occasioned 
the breach between her master and himself, flounder- 
ing in the unsavory liquor of the vat. She had evi- 
dently fallen in during the night, and was now almost 
entirely exhausted by her efforts to escape. His first 
impulse was, as that of every good man would be, to 
leap over and see what he could do, or to summon 
help for her rescue. But then he remembered that it 
was the Sabbath-day, a day on which he should ab- 
stain from labor ; and labor it certainly would be to 
engage in her deliverance. Perhaps he did not re- 
member what the Savior himself said about rescuing, 
on the Sabbath, the ox or the ass which had fallen 
into the pit ; or if he did remember it, he probably 
remembered more vividly the devastation in his corn- 
field committed by the dying beast before him, who 
was neither an ox nor an ass, but a cow. 



HACHALIAH GROUT. 139 

Remembering or forgetting, however, the execrable 
hypocrite passed on, leaving the poor animal to her 
fate. How he could have spurned the appeals of those 
great blood-shot eyes, cast so imploringly upon him, 
or turned a deaf ear to those distressing moans, it is 
hard to conceive. But on he went, as unconcerned 
as if it were but a great bullfrog sporting there. And 
he afterward had the effrontery to make a merit of his 
brutal conduct, boasting that his religious principle 
had triumphed over his sympathies. This hypocrisy 
greatly provoked the tanner, who could not restrain 
himself from making particular mention of it in one 
of his prayers at a church meeting, the farmer being 
present. 

In the position of things between the farmer and 
tanner, as just detailed, the law was appealed to ; or 
rather the lawyers were. On either side there was 
assurance of a good case, and the promise of good 
picking, for both the antagonists were well-to-do in 
a worldly way. Mr. Grout now interposed. He 
took the two men first into the corn-field, heard their 
statements and estimated the damages. Then he 
conducted them to the brink of the fatal vat, beside 
which lay the empty hide of the poor cow. Here he 
took a deliberate survey, and then sat down on a 
stump, where, with his hands on his knees and his 
eye upon the hide, he remained pondering till the 
other two thought he was dozing. But he was wake- 
ful enough ; and finally, having fully digested the 
matter, in a determinate tone bade the two come 
before him. " Now," said he, " Rufus and Zephaniah, 
you must first repeat after me this scripture — ' Thou 



I40 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' " And he made 
them do it. Then, rising from his stump, with the 
most perfect assurance he told each what he was to 
do — what he must do — what he should do. His 
manner was emphatic, authoritative, and with no 
alternative. The tanner, with commendable readiness 
signified his submission. But the farmer was more 
obdurate, and stood in surly mood, with his head 
down, kicking little stones and sticks into the vat. 

By and by, after making one or two attempts to 
sneak off, and being peremptorily ordered back by 
Mr. Grout, the farmer began to grow more demon- 
strative, though he was still under some constraint in 
view of the strong arms swinging loosely in his vicin- 
ity. He offered to settle the controversy by blows, 
and did not see how that could be denied seeing they 
were all members of the same church ; and having 
heard that the law of England had always recognized 
the right of wager of battle. But his challenge being 
positively declined, he returned to his former com- 
forting employment of kicking stones and sticks. 
Suddenly, as if by some demoniac impulse, he made 
a spring at his antagonist, who stood just on the 
brink of the pit, and who, by some good fortune at 
that very moment happened to step aside. So away 
went the rampant farmer plump over head and ears 
into the filthy liquid. 

It could not be expected that under the circum- 
stances he should much enjoy his bath, or desire 
long to remain in it. xifter discharging through the 
channel of his foul mouth a portion of what he had 
involuntarily swallowed, he tried to scramble out. 



HACHALIAH GROUT. I4I 

But the strong arm of Mr. Grout seized him by the 
scarf around his neck, and he was commanded to 
pause and Hsten to a wholesome suggestion or two 
before he would be allowed to shake himself on dry 
land. He was instructed to regard his distasteful 
submersion as a special ordination of Providence, to 
punish him for his cruelty to the poor beast he had 
left to perish there, and whose green hide now lay 
before him. Furthermore he was instructed — the 
instruction being enforced by a twist of the scarf — 
that he must regard as a special ordination the fact 
that he who had him so securely by the neck would 
not release him till he signified his willingness to 
accept the terms propounded. 

Casting a rueful look around the disgusting little 
dead sea in which he stood immersed almost to his 
chin, and where he could not comfort himself with 
kicking stones and sticks, and withal growing chilly, 
as it was a frosty morning, he finally, with chattering 
teeth, gave a sullen assent. Then he was readily 
helped to land. Immediately, by the advice of Mr. 
Grout, he set off on a dog-trot for home. He never 
afterward expressed any desire to annul the terms to 
which he had assented under such singular duress ; 
but reflecting on his hitherto wayward temper earn- 
estly set about reforming. And he became a wiser 
and better man. Years after, he often referred, in 
his prayers and exhortations, to having been once 
" floundering in the miry pit," from which he was 
rescued by a strong arm ; and gave thanks for the 
merciful interposition to wash out the stains of his 
natural depravity. 



142 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

After the farmer had left the pit, Mr. Grout took 
his way home, conscious of having done a good 
morning's work. Then followed the tanner, sorrow- 
fully dragging the garment of which the poor cow 
had been disrobed, and which was the only one she 
had ever worn. And then a bevy of crows came 
over the hills, vociferously cawing as if demanding to 
know what was to be done about their share of the 
bovine spoils. 

One other example of Mr. Grout's way of restoring 
peace between neighbors must suffice. 

He had been informed of a rancorous dispute 
between a couple of adjoining land proprietors, con- 
cerning a certain boundary. So he made the parties 
accompany him to the disputed territory, and there 
point out their respective claims. This done, and a 
thorough examination having been had, he assumed 
his ruminating posture, from which in due time he 
returned with an air of satisfaction and full determin- 
ation, and ordered the disputants to drive down a 
stake here, another there, and another yonder ; which 
being done, he announced that thus should run the 
boundary line. 

Arbitration most commonly leaves both parties 
dissatisfied ; and so it did in this case. Each per- 
sisted in his determination to appeal to the law. 
" But you shall not appeal to the law nor to any thing 
else," exclaimed Mr. Grout, resolutely, " there is no 
law to be wasted on such wolfins as you ; but you 
shall have justice. There are your bounds, and you 
must abide by them. So now, we will all go home 
good friends. Come, come, don't be surly," But they 



HACHALIAH GROUT. I43 

were surly, notwithstanding, and from high words 
seemed fast approaching blows. 

It may surprise some to. observe how often our 
ancestors, even the dignified and pious, were accus- 
tomed to try their titles and settle their business 
affairs by blows. The lively contest between Gover- 
nor Endicott and Mr. Dexter, shows something of the 
prevailing spirit of pugnacity. The appeal to battle 
was a favorite scare-crow, too, with many who had 
not the courage of a crow, but who found it often to 
answer their villainous ends. Yet it was an acknow- 
ledged right of the British subject even down to a 
time quite within the memory of many now living ; 
a right for which we may thank our refined Norman 
ancestors. 

But we must go back and find our enraged heroes. 
There they are waxing warm for a sanguinary encoun- 
ter. And it surely would have taken place, if the 
strong arm of Mr. Grout had not held them asunder. 
But casting his eye toward an adjacent swamp he all 
at once seemed to receive a new light which twinkled 
knowingly in his eye. " Well, well," said he, much to 
their surprise, " on the whole you may have a battle ; 
but I shall choose your cudgels, and stand by to see 
fair play." 

The preliminaries were soon settled, and drawing 
on his fox-skin gloves he went to the edge of the 
swamp and returned with the chosen weapons, which 
he placed in the hands of the belligerents. They 
grasped them, and separately, for a few minutes, swung 
and thrust them about, with great vigor to get the 
proper hang ; and then having spat on their hands 



r44 II- SHINING LIGHTS, 

and rolled the handle ends in their mouths, gal- 
lantly approached each other. But at this juncture 
Mr. Grout, in great apparent excitement, besought 
them to pause, and drop their weapons, declaring that 
he now perceived that he had unfortunately provided 
batons of dog-wood, which, worse than two edged 
swords might deal destruction to those wielding them 
as well as to the enemy. Perhaps it was by accident 
that he provided the poisonous sticks, though his 
putting on the fox-skin gloves and the knowing twin- 
kle in his eye before going in quest of them might be 
taken into account in deciding the important ques- 
tion. Be that as it may, however, no sooner was the 
affrighting name dog-wood uttered than the weapons 
dropped from the trembling hands, and the combat- 
ants commenced rubbing their palms on their leather 
breeches, and with great violence ejecting all they 
could from their mouths, excepting words, to which, 
in their terror, they gave no encouragement. But by 
their efforts they probably rubbed in rather than 
rubbed out the subtle poison. 

Seeing their ludicrous efforts, Mr. Grout, very much 
against his ordinary custom, broke out into a broad 
laugh ; and presently both of the others followed his 
wholesome example. Thus was good nature restored. 
And the next step was a full reconciliation and ac- 
ceptance of the terms proposed by the eccentric 
arbitrator. Never say, then, that a good laugh is a 
vain invention. But the perversity of the two neigh- 
bors did not go unpunished. They were both laid 
up a full month, and suffered greatly from the poison. 
It was sorrowful to Mr. Grout — who could not have 



HACHALIAH GROUT. 1 45 

anticipated any such painful result of the half-jocose 
part he played — as he visited them while they were 
burning and tossing on their beds, to see their heads 
swelled to a frightful size, weighing down their giant 
limbs, which were so sensitive that a pin's weight 
was intolerable. But delightful was it to him as he 
saw now and then a little inflamed gash open in the 
front of those heads, to hear issue thence plaintive 
words of regret for past contumacy and hopes that 
the providential sufferings then endured might result 
in permanent good. 

These two incidents very well illustrate one con- 
spicuous point in the character of Mr. Grout. And 
all will agree that it was no mean point. Blessed 
are the peace-makers. Reconciliations always impart 
comfort to the vexed mind. What is sweeter than 
the reconciliation of lovers ; what more satisfying than 
the reconciliation of neighbors ; what more animating 
than the reconciliation of one to his own self 

But it is time to pass on to other points in the 
character of Mr. Grout. 

He was a sturdy Commonwealth-man, and hailed, 
with the most fervid joy, the reports of the successes 
of the parliamentary arms, regarding Cromwell as a 
sort of political St. Paul. He was an enthusiastic 
advocate for political freedom, and was ready, in 
season and out of season, to express his sentiments 
and convictions. And by the way, such expression, 
out of season, is what often gets a politician into hot 
water, to speak metaphorically. It is clear that an 
early and entire separation from the mother country 
was contemplated by many. And, with a handful 
G lo 



146 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

of Others, our sanguine friend declared for independ- 
ence, when there were not enough people here even 
to ensure safety against wild beasts, to say nothing 
about Indians ; when, indeed, they were so weak 
that their very feebleness prevented any notice being 
taken of their vaporing. 

While Cromwell ruled. New England came very 
near being independent, he appearing rather to favor 
than oppose what seemed to be inevitable, at least 
in the future. But the Restoration changed the 
current of some of the pleasant dreams, and the most 
sanguine felt that the fruit of their sweet hopes might 
be a long time ripening. And not only that, but 
just fears arose that punishment would follow some 
of the high-handed acts of the colonists — the estab- 
lishment of the mint at Boston, for instance, from 
which issued the pine-tree coins — acts which would 
hardly have been attempted by a people who did not 
imagine themselves about able to toddle along with- 
out leading-strings. 

The poor regicides, Gofif and Whalley, who arrived 
at Boston in the summer of 1660, found in Mr. Grout 
a ready sympathiser and courageous friend. He it 
was who introduced them into the General Court, 
soon after their arrival, and at once moved that they 
" haue libertie of y'^ Hows." What precisely was 
meant by liberty of the House, I do not know, but 
suppose the intent was to allow them to take part in 
the debates. Unquestionably their ability and know- 
ledge of political science would have given them great 
influence and done much to promote the interests 
of the Colony ; but I do not learn that they were 



HACHALIAH GROUT. I47 

ever guilty of taking so unbecoming a step as to raise 
their voices in the assembly. They, however, visited 
the Court several times, listened attentively to the 
debates, and freely interchanged opinions with the 
members ; winning respect and cordial sympathy by 
their extensive knowledge and agreeable manners. 
But their days of freedom and safety were soon num- 
bered, and they were compelled to dodge hither and 
thither, hiding their venerable heads from the base 
wretches who were put upon their scent. It may 
be remarked of these two famed regicide judges, in 
passing, that Whalley was a lieutenant-general and 
Goff a major-general under Cromwell ; and hence it 
appears they possessed military skill as well as legal 
knowledge and moral heroism. 

It was while within the sacred precincts of the 
House, that the judges for the first time came near 
falling into the hands of the vindictive crown officers. 
They were sitting in an obscure corner, on a side 
bench, listening to a speech from a Boston member, 
it being near the close of an afternoon session, and 
almost dark. In front of them stood Mr. Grout, with 
one foot resting on the birch block from which he 
had just risen, when a couple of burly men entered 
in rather a sly way, and took seats on either side 
of the door. The alert eye of our friend detected 
their close watchfulness of the refugees, for whose 
arrest it was sure an ample reward would be paid, 
and through the gathering gloom, he kept as strict a 
watch on them as they on the judges. Presently he 
earnestly whispered to two or three of the most val- 
orous and able-bodied members, who directed furtive 



148 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

glances at the suspicious intruders, and nodded know- 
ingly. Then he whispered with the judges themselves, 
who could not conceal their alarm, at first, but upon 
his almost passionate pantomimic assurances of safety, 
remained quiet. 

The Court soon adjourned, and the members who 
had been whispered with, formed themselves into a 
sort of body-guard of the regicides, falling in, however, 
in such an informal way as to excite no observation. 
Scarcely had the group left the building, when a rush 
was made by the two on whom suspicions had so 
naturally fallen ; and they seemed to be aided by 
others who had remained posted outside. The object 
evidently was to secure Goff and Whalley ; and their 
body-guard might have been overpowered had not 
other members hastened to their assistance — these 
new recruits not probably knowing what occasioned 
the conflict, but feeling it safe to fight on the side 
Mr. Grout had espoused. The conspirators were 
defeated, and by great good luck, our hero, who was 
most active in the lively struggle, escaped with no fur- 
ther damage than a temporary flattening of the nose. 

The sanguinary field was soon evacuated by both 
parties, and presently, amid the gathering darkness, 
the dusky forms of the late combatants appeared, 
picturesquely squatted around the neutral ground of a 
mud-puddle, bathing inflamed eyes, washing bloody 
noses, and otherwise repairing damages ; not, how- 
ever, in the sweet spirit of an agreed truce, but in 
the clamorous spirit of defiance. But no one seemed 
prepared to renew the battle. And indeed there 
was little incentive to that, on the part of the conspi- 



HACHALIAH GROUT. I49 

rators, for the judges were off at a safe distance, A 
few hours after, when the moon had risen, the two 
officers — for such the mysterious personages who 
had so slyly appeared and seated themselves near the 
door of the court room, proved to be — who had 
attempted the arrest, were seen rapidly posting off, 
on the Roxbury road, with their heads bound up, 
and muttering denunciations upon the disloyal Court 
which had conspired to defeat the course of justice. 

After that, the hunted regicides no more ventured 
to appear in public. And the members of the Court, 
both in their public acts and private discussions, felt 
the propriety of being a little more cautious in their 
expressions of disloyalty. They indeed oscillated to 
the opposite extreme, and in their adulations of roy- 
alty would have made themselves quite ridiculous, 
had it not been evident that they well understood 
the force and value of blarney. 

The following address of the General Court to 
Charles II., adopted on the seventh of August, 1661, 
will be found amusing, even after making all due 
allowance for the abject style of the times : 

" Illustrious S^ : — That majestic & benignity both 
sate vpon the throne whervnto your out casts made 
theire former addresse, witnes this second eucharist- 
icall approach vnto the best of kings, who, to other 
titles of royal tje comon to him w''^ other gods amongst 
men, delighted therein more peculiarly to conforme 
himself to the God of gods, and that he hath not 
despised nor abhorred the affliction of the aflicted, 
neither hath he hid his face from him, but when he 
cryed he heard. 



I50 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

" Our petition was y* representation of an exiles 
necessitjes. The script gratulatorje & lowly, is the 
reflection of the gracious rayes of Christian majestje. 
There wee besought your favour, by presenting to a 
compassionate eye that bottle full of teares shed by 
vs in this Jeshimon. Here we also acknowledge the 
efficacy of regale influence to qualify these salt wa- 
ters. The mission of ours was accompanyed w"^ these 
churches sitting in sackcloth ; the reception of yours 
was the holding forth the scepter of life. 

"We are deepely sensible of your majesties intima- 
tion relating to instruments of Satan, acted by impulse. 
Diabollicall Venner (not to say whence he came to 
us) went out from vs, because he was not of vs. God 
preserve your majestic from all emissaries agitated 
by an infernall spirit, vnder what appellations soeuer 
disguised. Luther sometimes wrote to y*^ senate of 
Mulhoysen to beware of the woolfe Muncer. 

'' Royall S'' : Your just title to the crowne enthro- 
nizeth you in our conciences, your graciousnes in our 
affections, that inspireth vnto duty. This natural- 
izeth vnto loyalty ; thence we call yow lord, hence a 
savior. Mephibosheth, how prejudicially soeuer mis- 
represented, yet rejoyceth that the king is come in 
peace to his oune house. Now, the Lord hath dealt 
well w"' our lord the king ; may New England, under 
your royall protection, be permitted still to sing the 
Lords song in this strange land. It shall be no greife 
of heart for the blessing of a people ready to perish 
dayly to come vpon your majestic, the blessing of 
yo"^ poore people, who, (not here to alleadge the inno- 
cency of our cause, touching which let vs Hue no 



HACHALIAH GROUT. I 5 I 

longer than we subject ourselves to an orderly trjall 
thereof,) though in the particculars of subscription 
& conformitje, supposed to be vnder the hallucinations 
of weake brethren, yet craue leaue w"' all humiilitje to 
say, whither the voluntary quitting of our natiue and 
dearest country be not sufficjent to expiate so inno- 
cent a mistake, (if a mistake,) let God, aingells, your 
majestic, & all good men judge. Now He in whose 
hands the tjmes & trialls of the children of men are, 
who hath made your majestic remarkeablie paralell to 
y* most eminent of kings, both for y^ space & kinde 
of yo' troubles, so as that very day cannot be excepted 
wherein they droue him from abiding in the inherit- 
ance of the Lord, saying, ' Goe, serve other gods,' 
make yow also (vV^'' is the croune of all) more & more 
like vnto him in being a man after Gods oune heart, 
to doe whatsoeuer he u-ill ; yea, as the Lord was 
w^'» Dauid, so let him be w''' your most excellent 
majesty, & make the throne of King Charles the 
Second both greater & better then the throne of 
King Dauid, or then the throne of any of yo'' royal 
progenitors. So shall alwayes pray, great S"', 
" Yo'' majes's most humble & loyall subjects. 

Jo : Endecott, Gouerno""." 
Think of such fulsome incense as that ascending 
from a body of grave and pious New England free- 
men — yea, from the Great and General Court itself — 
and signed by such a name as John Endicott — to 
a throne on which sits such a "god" as Charles II. 
I think they did understand the use of blarney. On 
the whole, however, Charles was rather graciously 
inclined toward the colonists, and seemed disposed 



152 ir. SHINING LIGHTS. 

to give them a fair cliance for advancement, though 
he entertained none of the Cromwellian notions of 
independence, and was easily swayed by the shrewd 
rogues and pohtical vagabonds about him, wlio gained 
mucli of their influence througli unblushing pander- 
age. And then it should be remembered that that 
was a strongly marked reactionary period in the 
political history of England. The Court seemed to 
delight in comparing king Charles with king David ; 
but there was one thing to which Charles probably 
never gave much attention ; and that was the compo- 
sition of psalms. 

The King was so well inclined that on one occasion, 
in an interview with Sir Thomas Temple, he applied 
to the colonists the playful epithet of *' honest dogs," 
which mightily pleased, in a way that those who are 
acquainted with the history of the famous pine-tree 
coinage will remember. And the colonists had a 
lively sense of his benignity and a ready mind to 
acknowledge it. On the tenth of October, 1677, the 
General Court ordered that " The Treasurer doe forth- 
with provide tenn barrells of cranburyes, two hogs- 
heads of speciall good sampe, and three thousand 
cod ffish," to be sent to him " as a present from this 
Court." Mr. Grout opposed the order with consider- 
able vehemence, his dexter foot swinging back and 
forth, during his speech, with such violence as to 
strike the back of a testy member sitting before him. 
That member happening to be on the royalist side, 
and pulling all the wires he could grasp, to lift him- 
self into a certain crown office, took the kick in the 
light of a knock-down argument, and turned furiously 



HACHALIAH GROUT. 1 53 

on his assailant. But he was restrained by other 
members, and an explanation being made, the affair 
passed off without serious damage. 

When Mr. Grout found that the order would pass 
in spite of his opposition, he moved that a bag of dried 
hyssop be added. The members stared, not know- 
ing what on earth he meant. But in the perpleixing 
silence that followed, he vouchsafed no explanation 
beyond quoting, in an undertone, the passage of scrip- 
ture, "purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean." 
The cranberries, samp and cod-fish went, without the 
hyssop. And the king, who could not help entertain- 
ing suspicions of any thing that reached him from 
such a source, probably made his courtiers first par- 
take of the delicacies before venturing upon them 
himself And whether they were finally peaceful and 
happy within the luxurious walls of the royal stomach, 
or discontented and inclined to raise commotion there, 
does not appear. The stomach of a sovereign is in 
some sense the stomach of the state, and it is impor- 
tant to the subject that what goes into it should not 
be of a quality to stir up the bile. 

Mr. Grout never could become reconciled to the 
Restoration, and in the General Court, too often for 
his own good, lifted up his jealous voice in denuncia- 
tion of the management of things over the water. 
Several of the high-handed measures were proposed 
by him, which were deemed excessively disloyal, and 
which, in 1682, enabled the enemies of the colonial 
charters to trump up enough to authorize Edward 
Randolph, the public prosecutor, to prepare charges 
of high misdemeanor against the Massachusetts gov- 

G* 



154 ^^- SHINING LIGHTS. 

ernment, and cause that examination to be made, and 
those proceedings to be instituted, which resulted in 
the annulling of the Charter itself, and the appointment 
of Sir Edmund Andros to the governorship. 

Randolph came over as secretary and right-hand 
man to Andros, and managed to get his superior 
deeper in the political mire than his own weight 
would probably have carried him, besides making 
himself highly obnoxious by his overbearing disposi- 
tion and generally unhandsome conduct. He was 
covetous, conceited, and ambitious. And being a 
high churchman and high prerogative man, he could 
sympathise neither with the prevailing theology nor 
the political views of the colonists. He was, without 
doubt, a man of education, of cultivated mind, and 
refined taste. But for all that there is no wonder 
that he was spurned by most of those whose society 
he could have enjoyed ; and that here he had to 
lament the loss of the social delights by which he 
was surrounded in England — no wonder, that as he 
was much abroad and necessarily encountered many 
of the ruder sort, he found it expedient to keep on 
hand a good supply of plasters and bandages, and 
was sometimes seen with torn ruffles and abraded 
knuckles — no wonder that when Andros went down 
he went with him. 

The General Court was the aegis of liberty here, in 
those troublous times, and Mr. Grout a vigilant sen- 
tinel. He was among the most rampant who on that 
memorable day of uprising hurled the obnoxious ruler 
from his cushioned seat of power, and landed him 
safely in the prison on Fort Hill, where he and his 



HACHALIAH GROUT. 1 55 

coadJLitant secretary supped sorrowfully together, that 
night, on such frugal fare as they had not been accus- 
tomed, to. Poor Fort Hill ! And you, too, have 
disappeared ; shovel, pick, and steam-scraper have 
accomplished their devastating v^^ork. O, that senti- 
ment, or stirring memories, or something more potent, 
had power, in such a case to restrain the destroy- 
ing hand of Improvement. Fort Hill was one of 
the great landmarks of ancient Shawmut, and one 
of the three elevations that gave the name of Tri- 
mountain to what is now the proud city of Boston. 
It was a beautiful hill ; and while its acclivities 
remained clothed in their primitive forest vesture, was 
a favorite resort, at evening, of such as sought retire- 
ment — of owls, tree-toads, whip-poor-wills, and foxes. 
And not unfrequently the sighing lover sought the 
congenial privacy. The view was extensive, over the 
adjacent country, the lovely islands, and the broad 
blue bay. And the never ceasing murmur of the 
ocean furnished fitting music. 

But there, at the grim portal of the Fort Hill prison, 
we must bid adieu to Andros, and Randolph his 
fellow-oppressor, wishing them a happy issue out of 
their troubles ; and wishing, too, that they may be 
led to repent and be of better minds. 

We must also now bid adieu to Mr. Grout himself. 
And this we shall do at his own happy home. There 
stands his house, half shaded by those old forest trees 
that skirt the highway. It is one of the best in the 
place, and supplied with all the appliances for comfort 
and convenience known to the time. There is, to be 
sure, no furnace for heating, nor any gas for lighting ; 



156 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

no, nor cooking range ; nor are there any plumber's 
water pipes. But tlien there is an enormous fire-place, 
hung with great sooty trammels, from which depend 
huge pots and kettles, and by the side an oven, capa- 
cious enough to receive half a score of golden pump- 
kins and as many sweet barley loaves. The well at 
the back door, with its great sweep and iron-bound 
bucket, furnishes an abundance of pure water for the 
inmates of the house and the humbler ones of the 
barn. The panting dog leaps up to the overflowing 
trough, and the motherly hen leads her peeping brood 
to the rill that winds down the bank. In the yard is 
a noble pile of seasoned wood, and in the shed a store 
of dry peat. The cellar is supplied with vegetables, 
bear meat, and pork, with salted venison and wild 
fowl. And the salted cod-fish — where are they .-^ for 
the present they are drying in the garret, where they 
will probably become impregnated by the wholesome 
odors of the herbs that are drying near them. And 
conspicuous on the skids in the cool arch, are the 
cider barrel and the barrel of home-brewed beer. 
Good brindle yields an abundance of milk, far richer 
than that afforded by any of the hydraulic contrivan- 
ces of the present day. The rude apiary, in the 
shadow of that hale old oak, affords abundance of 
honey, sweeter and more wholesome than the inge- 
nious chemists of our time are able to manufacture 
from the best northern lard and refined sugar. Some 
of the vile concocters ought indeed to hide their heads 
in very shame when tliey look into the honest faces 
of the worthy bees as they toil on, uncomplainingly, 
in the hope of still keeping honey in unstained credit. 



HACHALIAH GROUT. 157 

And do those depraved counterfeiters feel no stings 
of conscience ? If they do not, they should be made 
at least to feel the stings of the mortified bees they so 
grossly outrage. It has been very pleasant, for ages, 
for men to read of the happy land flowing with milk 
and honey ; but if it should ever be made to appear 
that the milk and honey there are no better than 
the articles so named that flow over this land, the 
value of the imagery is lost. The acknowledged 
necessity for the appointment of milk-inspectors even 
now damages the flavor. But we must leave brindle 
and the bees, and glance at the gobbling and cackling 
host that so contentedly forage about the premises 
of Mr. Grout. They yield their increase and finally 
their own bodies to enrich the hospitable board. The 
woods, too, send their offerings of tender game, and 
the ponds their savory fish. 

Were not those comfortable times — halcyon days, 
as the poets say ? The men had no notes maturing 
in the banks. There were no banks ; and conse- 
quently none of those sin-inciting little missives fly- 
ing about, every where, and with shocking curtness 
saying to every body, " Your note for so much be- 
comes due so and so, the last of grace, and you" [must 
pony up.] The last of grace, forsooth ! If corpora- 
tions had souls, the banks would probably find that 
there was a last day of grace for them, in view of the 
sin they lead others to commit. But proverbially 
such institutions have no souls. The men, in those 
comfortable times, as we said, had no notes maturing 
in the banks. Nor had the women new fashions to 
harass themselves about — another mark of halcyon 



158 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

times. And why should not sweet contentment have 
prevailed ? But, after all, the within is not deter- 
mined by the without. And men were revengeful, 
envious, lustful, as well then as now. The young 
loved as ardently and as indiscreetly, and as often 
found themselves floundering in the stream that never 
does run smooth — perhaps pursued by the old green- 
eyed monster — then as now. And then, too, the 
old were as captious, fretful, and supercilious. And 
so we go on, generation after generation, ever receiv- 
ing lessons but never learning — never learning that 
real happiness is in but a small degree dependent on 
mere outward condition. 

We have had a glimpse of the home of Mr. Grout. 
But where is he, good man, as we seek him to bid 
adieu ? Ah, there he is, in that front chamber that 
looks over the green hills toward the setting sun — 
a chamber neat as the most loving hand can make it, 
though with rough, bare walls and unpainted wain- 
scoting. A couple of plaster portraits look gravely 
down from their place above the mantle-piece, the 
one representing the venerable man himself, in a 
sky blue doublet, glossy red coat, and yellow small 
clothes, illustrating rather the taste of the colonial 
artist than the real presence ; and the other, a portrait 
of the good wife, alike radiant in unnatural plumage. 
A mat of braided woolen, of divers colors, lies before 
the fire, and another beside the bed ; and here and 
there about the unpainted floor lie others, less preten- 
tious, of sweet-smelling corn-husks. 

It is a pleasant day, and the shades of evening are 
just gathering. The fire has burned down to a few 



HACHALIAH GROUT. 159 

smouldering embers, and a watchful dame sits silently 
within their drowsy influence. But she is very watch- 
ful and constantly casts anxious glances toward the 
bed, on which lies extended the manly form of Mr, 
Grout, now wasted by disease, and just animated by 
the flickering light which is about to go out forever. 
The little table of medicine cups, and bottles, and 
pill-boxes, is now removed from near the head of the 
bed to a distant corner, as being no longer required, 
the last hope of recovery having expired ; and the 
basket of herbs, too, has disappeared from its wonted 
place. The family are below, in silence partaking 
of their evening meal, apprehensive, every moment, 
of a summons to witness the last scene. The vihage 
doctor slips in, and in whispers makes inquiries of the 
nurse. She shakes her head, and makes some reply 
that induces him to turn sadly toward the bed. He 
leans over the patient, his long gray cue, wound with 
glossy eel-skin sticking picturesquely up, as if mark- 
ing some rich spot in his cranium. He hears a low 
gurgling sound, and quickly bids the nurse call up the 
family. Silently and sadly they file in. The dying 
man now motions them to raise his head, and looks 
toward the window^ They understand him, though 
he cannot speak. And as they draw aside the ciu'tain 
of green cloth, the golden light of the setting sun 
streams in and falls upon the covering of his bed. 
His withered hand steals along with almost imper- 
ceptible motion till it reaches the genial warmth. 
And then the beautiful light creeps upward and 
upward upon him, and reaches his placid brow. 
There it flickers and flickers, but like all other things 



l60 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

pertaining to earth, hastens on. Upward and upward 
it moves ghding away from human sight, and with it 
departs the spirit of our worthy friend. 

And so the beautiful Hght went out — hke the serene 
radiance of Ohvet rather than the fiery flash of Sinai. 



LEVI HUBBARD. 

Mr. Hubbard was long known as the smashing 
member ; and he came by the euphonious name in a 
very natural way, as will appear as we proceed. He 
was from one of the settlements comprehended in the 
limits of old New-Town. And he certainly made his 
mark in the House on more than one occasion. Pos- 
sessing great taciturnity of habit, and gravity of 
countenance, with a whimsical expression of candor, 
he managed to pass himself off for a man of more 
than ordinary ability. Yet we do not mean to say 
that he was insincere in his pretensions ; for there 
is such a thing as conceit in th^ world. Though he 
passed for more than he was worth, he still was worth 
a good deal. He did not, however, make his mark in 
the House so much by talking as doing ; nor did his 
arguments address themselves so much to the interior 
as to the exterior of the heads of his fellow-members. 
To explain : He had the extraordinary habit, when 
a great thing presented itself to his mind — like, for 
instance, a conclusive fact or unanswerable argu- 



LEVI HUBBARD. l6l 

ment — to give a sudden intimation thereof, by hurl- 
ing any missive that might be at hand, against the 
opposite side of the room, or at some body's head, as 
the case might be. There was usually a premonition 
of these manifestations, bhat to those acquainted with 
him relieved them of some of their terror and danger ; 
and that was, a violent clap of the hands. That clap 
soon came to elicit more sudden and lively attention 
than any other movement in the House. It was 
what every one seemed to think he had a personal 
interest in. And it will at once occur to the reader 
that this was the same Mr. Hubbard alluded to on 
page 105, where an account is given of a character- 
istic exploit of his on a field day of the Ancient and 
Honorable Artillery. 

The first time Mr. Hubbard called attention to 
himself in this singular way, was during a debate on 
an order requiring monuments to be erected to desig- 
nate the location of wolf-pits, for a great many acci- 
dents had occurred by persons falling into the traps. 
The speaker himself had once had the misfortune to 
fall into one, where he was found the next morning 
crouched up in one corner, almost dead with fright,, 
while in another corner was crouched a she wolf, also 
nearly dead with fright. It was a warm day when the 
debate took place, and Mr. Hubbard had with his 
accustomed impassiveness been listening to a loose 
discussion which one of the leading members was 
then endeavoring to draw to the real points in ques- 
tion. All of a sudden our hero arose and gave the 
premonitory clap. Those near began to stare, fear- 
ing that he had all at once become distracted. But 

II 



1 62 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

before they had time to make up their minds what to 
do, he had seized the jug which contained the beer 
he had brought for his noon refreshment, and which 
sat beneath the bench, and hurled it with tremendous 
force against the opposite wall. It passed directly- 
over the head of the member then speaking, and 
would, perhaps, have taken that appendage with it in 
its flight, had he not at that moment bowed down in 
compliment to a sneeze. 

The jug struck directly over the rickety chair of 
the presiding officer, was smashed to pieces, and the 
foaming liquid drenched the bald head of the dignitary 
and ran down his beard. The author of the mischief 
was instantly seized by more hands than he could 
accommodate, and after struggling manfully was over- 
come, no one now doubting that he was deranged 
and bent on serious mischief Luckily, however, a 
constituent of his, and one well known in the House, 
happened just then to come in, and was able to 
inform them of the evil habit, and to give assurance 
of Mr. Hubbard's perfect freedom from all malicious 
intent. And he further assured them that if they 
would now give him the opportunity he would proba- 
bly so treat the subject under debate, as to convince 
them that he was any thing but a lunatic. This 
seemed fair, and he was allowed to speak. But his 
luminous idea, after all, proved rather a flash in the 
pan. It had simply struck him that the monuments 
would not only show people where the wolf-pits were 
but likewise give the same information to the wolves 
themselves ; thus defeating the whole purpose. What 
influence his argument had on the main question, we 



LEVI HUBBARD. 1 63 

do not know ; but his conduct was not at all relished. 
The speaker was much alarmed, and loudly declared 
his decided unwillingness to have his attention, in 
the future, called in so unparliamentary a manner, 
and demanded that something should be done to 
prevent the recurrence of such an outrage. The 
member who had so narrowly escaped decapitation 
by the providential intervention of a sneeze, hastily 
drew up an order that Mr. Hubbard should be com- 
pelled to wear shackles on his wrists while in the 
House. But this was smothered by proposed amend- 
ments ; one of which was that the mover himself 
should wear a shackle on his tongue ; for he had 
become obnoxious to many by the airs he had given 
his own unruly member. The matter finally ended 
in a vote of censure and admonition. 

It is not to be presumed that a man possessing 
such an infirmity as that of Mr. Hubbard, could pass 
through life unmarked. He was constantly provoking 
retaliations from those who could neither appreciate 
nor excuse such conduct. And when he went down 
to his grave he was scarred in every part of his body ; 
his nose stood awry, he had but one ear, his lower 
jaw was so broken that it worked like a worn-out 
steel-trap, and he was very lame of his left leg. In- 
deed he used to make a sort of sorry boast that every 
bone in his body excepting four had been broken. 
No experience was competent to cure him of his 
unfortunate propensity. It seems as if it could not 
properly be called a habit, being rather a part of his 
very nature, bound to manifest itself whenever its 
turn came ; like mischief in a monkey. 



164 n. SHINING LIGHTS. 

He was once in the barn-yard of a neighbor, exam- 
ining some cattle, when a hard-shell pumpkin suddenly 
flew from his hand, with great force, and struck a 
surly old bull who stood meditating by the wall, 
square on the muzzle. The animal received the 
indignity with an appalling roar, and dashing forward 
to avenge himself, soon broke the thread of his assail- 
ant's reflections by seizing him on his horns, and before 
those lively nursery distichs could be repeated down 
to "the crumpled horn," had tossed him over the 
wall upon a bed of rocks, where he had two ribs 
broken. It was fortunate that he went over the wall, 
as otherwise it would have been no fault of taurus 
had he not been gored to death. 

Stocks had been erected near the House, for the 
discipline of petty oflenders and for the occasional 
safe-keeping of greater rogues till such time as they 
could be brought to justice. They were the lock-ups 
of the time. And a member of the Court itself occa- 
sionally found himself seated in them, exposed to the 
indignities of strolling vagrants, two-footed and four- 
footed, as well as the piercing attentions of mosquitos 
and other blood-loving insect adventurers. There 
was no respect of persons, in those days, as before 
remarked, for even one of the Assistants was com- 
pelled, on a certain occasion, to stand at the door 
of the House, for two hours, in a broiling sun, with 
his tongue in a cleft stick, for some offensive words 
he had uttered in debate ; an example that might 
occasionally be imitated in these days, with profit. 

Now these stocks were not a pleasing object for 
some of the more fastidious members to contemplate, 



LEVI HUBBARD. l6$ 

and an effort was made to have them removed. I am 
unable to state, for a reason that will presently appear, 
whether Mr. Hubbard was in favor of their removal, 
or not. He Listened to the arguments, pro and con, 
with his usual gravity. But at last a resounding clap 
came, and away flew an inkhorn, scattering its con- 
tents all the way to the clerk's table, and there 
bespattering the records in a manner grievous to 
behold. This, by the way, is how the records of that 
particular time became so blotted and marred, to the 
disgust of those who have of late been endeavoring to 
literally transcribe them. 

Mr. Hubbard, for his conduct on this occasion, was 
summarily dealt with. On view, as the lawyers say, 
and without waiting to hear a word from him, he was 
ordered to take a seat in the very stocks in question, 
there to remain for the rest of the day, which, being 
a decidedly chilly one in November, made the seat 
any thing but agreeable. 

While sitting there, meditating as composedly as he 
might, on life's mutations, there came along a great 
motherly swine, followed by half a dozen squealing 
progeny. And perhaps she was the very one that 
by her strolling propensity was the cause of the 
serious commotion in church and state derailed in our 
sketch of Robert Keayne. They rooted about the 
disciplinary institution, regaling the occupant by their 
musical grunts and piggish antics, till they seemed 
to conclude that nothing more was to be gained, and 
then drew off, the matron first casting upon him one 
of those comical, leering looks, which no animal on 
earth but a fat pig can bestow — excepting, perhaps, 



l66 II. SHINING LIGHTS, 

a drunken man. And away she went, with her sons 
and her daughters, to feast upon the sweet acorns 
that lay in profusion under the oaks, in the hollow 
below. 

A small dog now bounded over the wall, and 
after amusing himself by chasing the little pigs for 
a while, and hastening their retreat to the oaks, ran 
up and smelled of our taciturn friend who had so 
summarily become a real estate fixture, and then, 
after gently saluting his feet, trotted along. 

Next, a great red cockerel led up a bevy of hens, 
and leaving them to pick up what worms and bugs 
might be straying round, mounted to the very top 
of the stocks, and after sounding his shrill clarion to 
his own manifest satisfaction, looked down upon the 
victim seated below, whirring out something that might 
have been an expression of pity or derision. And 
the poor man looked up, with that weak, helpless, 
entreating gaze that none but the most unfeeling 
could ever spurn. And there was no more crowing. 

Then a long-haired, dirty-mouthed lad appeared, 
leading his long-haired, dirty-mouthed sister, and 
they both stopped and pointed at him and hissed, as 
they had seen others do to their father who was in 
the same predicament a few days before. And the 
hissing did not end with them ; for a squad of geese 
waddled up, and seeming to consider it their duty to 
give some expression of disgust, stretched out their 
ungainly necks, and bestowed their uncivil utterances 
with a will, and then passed on. 

A drunken fellow, who was digging artichokes in 
an adjoining field, and who had once been worsted in 



LEVI HUBBARD. 1 67 

some sort of an encounter with Mr. Hubbard, now 
looked over, and after indulging in divers unhandsome 
taunts, threw at him some fetid toad-stools which he 
had picked up under a tree ; and at about the same 
time a dead snake, thrown from the other side, fell on 
his unprotected head. 

Presently our radiant young friend Sunny Wave 
bounded up with her basket, and his spirits revived, 
for her presence always came as a beam of light, to 
old and young. She at once comprehended the state 
of affairs, and tears began to trickle down her dusky 
face. Setting down her basket, she tried with all her 
might to tear away the fastenings. With a listless 
smile he signified his appreciation of her efforts, 
though he realized her entire incapacity to do any 
thing effectual against the gripe of those great beams. 
Then suddenly relinquishing her hopeless task, she 
ran off toward the shore, and in a short time returned 
with her stalwart father, who immediately understood 
what service was required of him. 

When Arrow John perceived who the victim was, 
he knit his brow, and striding up, exclaimed, " Ho, ki ! 
Dam ! Master Hubber in stocks ! Me glad ! Swear ! 
Can't smash now ! More swear ! " He then began 
gravely to manipulate the defenceless head, as if 
making a phrenological examination, which he proba- 
bly had no thought of doing, the effulgent light of 
that science not having then beamed upon the world. 
But what was he doing ? Mr. Hubbard knew him, 
and remembered that he had once, under the opera- 
tion of an ideal ecstasy, hurled a horse-shoe at his 
head. So he had fears that an anatomical operation 



1 68 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

was contemplated. In short, he imagined that he 
was to be scalped outright. And his apprehensions 
were not relieved, as he looked imploringly up with 
his great dull eyes, and heard the ejaculation, " Brave 
sculp ! brave sculp ! White man hit Indjan, with 
horse-moccasin ; most kill him ! More swear ! Ind- 
jan have chance now ! " And his hand instinctively 
grasped the scalping-knife. The murderous weapon 
gleamed aloft. And now the victim became greatly 
alarmed, as it would prove a serious damage to be 
deprived, in that inglorious way, of what had been so 
useful as well as ornamental, through his whole life. 
In very agony he roared out so as to be heard in the 
House ; and relief no doubt would have come, in some 
shape, had not such outcries become too frequent to 
excite much attention. 

Sunny Wave now sprang forward and clung to her 
father's arm in the utmost consternation. But it is 
impossible to determine what turn affairs would have 
taken, had not at that juncture, the same old bull 
whose acquaintance Mr. Hubbard had formed in his 
neighbor's barn-yard, and who had never yet been 
able to fully settle up for the indignity there offered, 
come tearing down the road. The animal's attention 
was at once attracted by the stocks, and he stopped 
short, keenly eyeing the occupant, whom he seemed 
to fully recognize as an enemy. His great round 
eyes began to blaze, his tail to lift, and his head to 
lower. Then he gave a frightful roar and prepared 
to deliver a desperate charge. Between the scalping- 
knife of the savage and the horns of the bull, the 
poor man felt tliat there was little to hope and little 



LEVI HUBBARD. 1 69 

to choose, and made up his mind to close his eyes 
and bravely meet what he could not escape. But the 
bull soon presented the only horn of the dilemma ; 
for the savage, in great trepidation, darted off, giving 
the angry beast the first opportunity to scfuare ac- 
counts. It is not, after all, very probable that Aitow 
John really intended violence, for he was by no means 
of a vindictive disposition. His purpose no doubt 
was to give Mr. Hubbard such a fright as would 
restrain him in his demonstrations with " horse- 
moccasins," and the like. 

Without any ceremony or honorable consideration 
for the helpless condition of his antagonist, the bull 
made a fearful dash at the erection, carrying away 
the corner post, but by a singular misaim not even 
grazing the evident object of his wrath. Though, 
perhaps, Samson like, he intended to destroy the 
whole fabric and crush his victim in the ruins. Whe- 
ther he was disgusted at the little accomplished by 
his onset, or began to suffer from a head-ache, is not 
apparent. But off he started, bellowing and shaking 
his head, much to the relief of Mr. Hubbard. And 
then the unfortunate man was left to his own medita- 
tions and the tender mercies of a cutting sleet for the 
remainder of the day. 

The details here given of the disasters to which 
Mr. Hubbard was exposed during his confinement in 
the stocks, are not offered as mere narrations. And 
it is hoped that the reader will appreciate the practical 
lesson involved. It is never well to offer gratuitous 
indignities to our fellow mortals, for there are so 
many unforeseen turns in life, that retributive justice 

H 



I/O II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

may come in a very unexpected shape and at a very 
unexpected time. Even the weakest and apparently 
most insignificant may at some period have presented 
an opportunity to square accounts to the utmost. 
And there being a vast deal more depravity than 
magnanimity in the world, it becomes one to be as 
careful in choosing his enemies as his friends. It is 
not wise to oftend even a goose if you can as well as 
not avoid it, for he can hiss at you if he can do no 
greater mischief More especially beware of the 
elephant. 

In the matter of dress, Mr. Hubbard was not over- 
fastidious. He generally wore substantial leather 
breeches, which bore unmistakable evidence of service 
in the pine woods. Indeed they became so besmeared 
with pitch that it was dangerous for him to go near a 
fire. On one occasion, during an evening session 
of the Court, a lighted tallow-dip happening to fall on 
him, they were instantly in a blaze, and for the time 
being, at least, he was the most shining light of the 
House. For some minutes he was in great danger 
of broiling ; but those near having the presence of 
mind to roll him in the green hide of a bear, which a 
member had left just outside of the door, the fire was 
so speedily extinguished that no great damage was 
done to his person, though his unfortunate garment 
was burned to a crisp in several places, insomuch 
that had it been daylight decency would hardly have 
permitted him to have shown himself on the way 
home. Coarse gray stockings encased his well-shaped 
legs, and his feet were protected by heavy shoes, 
ornamented, to some extent, like Indian moccasins. 



LEVI HUBBARD. I/I 

A short blue woolen frock, answered the purpose 
of a doublet, and enabled him to dispense with a coat, 
save at such times as the weather required an outer 
garment. His hat was of such shape and dimensions 
as would have excited the admiration of a Mexican 
brigand, and under its canopy he could bid defiance 
to sun and rain. 

It was very much after this manner that Mr. Hub- 
bard was arrayed one beautiful June day as he and 
the Governor were pursuing their way along the path 
that led through the bushes and scrub oaks in the 
vicinity of what is now Bowdoin square. They were 
going to attend the Artillery election, and were not 
exactly in agreement as to the merits of the candi- 
dates, as appeared by the earnestness of their debate. 
The contrast in the appearance of the two was rather 
striking, as the Governor was decked out in his ruffles, 
embroidered vest, gold-laced coat, and cocked hat. 
But yet the chief dignitary fully recognized the equal- 
ity of his neighbor ; just that sort of equality wliich 
politicians of this day recognize when ruffles come 
wheedling round homespun, to gain some selfish end. 
And it is much to be regretted that we cannot deny 
that even our highest officials are often subject to 
such weakness and dishonor. 

When in the House, Mr. Hubbard would persist 
in wearing, as his hair was rather thin, an odd substi- 
tute for his hat, that being a proscribed adornment 
of members during session. And this substitute was 
a stiff cap, of conical shape, and nearly a foot in 
height. It looked very much like a huge gray extin- 
guisher ; but was perforated along the upper part, 



1/2 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

for ventilation, as he said. This cap was the admi- 
ration of all the Indians who ever set eyes on it. 
And it was almost impossible to prevent its being 
stolen by some of them. Indeed it was stolen two or 
three times, and would never have been recovered 
had not Sunny Wave, for the credit of her country- 
men, looked it up and restored it. 

There was one exercise of the House in which Mr. 
Hubbard engaged with what was really a good imi- 
tation of enthusiasm ; to wdt, the musical. A psalm 
was usually sung in the morning and another just 
before the adjournment. And often during the day, 
when business flagged, the hour was improved in 
that laudable way. There was at one time a rule 
of the House, that " Y'^ mocion to sing shalbee y^ 
firste ; and let it bee right saintlie ; " the word saintly 
I suppose being equivalent to our good word nasal. 
I am sure such an exercise might some times prove 
of great value in these days, by its tranquilizing 
influence. Only think what it might have done in 
the matter of the liquor bill ; or the Hartford and 
Erie Rail-road. The soothing power of music, might 
have far greater effect in restoring to order a tumult- 
uous House, than the speaker's hammer — at least so 
long as the latter contmues to fall on the senseless 
wood of the desk in&tead of the senseless pates of the 
mischief-makers. 

Of a cold winter morning, Mr. Hubbard's pipes were 
usually in full tune. It was then, to use a compari- 
son that I am afraid will seem a little like exaggera- 
tion — a thing so sedulously avoided in these pages — 
that his capacious mouth would open wide, lifting the 



LEVI HUBBARD, 1 73 

upper story of his head, surmounted as it was by his 
unique cap, quite in the manner of a gigantic coifee- 
pot cover, his condensing breath issuing forth hke a 
volume of the aromatic vapor. Then, too, his eyes 
would close, and his strange, almost supernatural 
face — for he had the eccentric habit of constantly 
shaving off his eyebrows ; thus imparting to his 
aspect a touch of the spectral — would be thrown up 
at an angle of about forty-five. 

This sketch, brief though it necessarily is, should 
not be closed without allusion at least to one or two 
of Mr. Hubbard's traits, besides his eccentricities, 
for he had decidedly valuable points of character. In 
Court and out, he, like Mr. Grout, stood firmly for 
allowing the largest liberty to every individual, con- 
sistent with the general welfare, particularly in mat- 
ters of conscience. He defended Mrs. Hutchinson 
and Roger Williams ; and his sentiments respecting 
the course of the ruling powers towards them, were 
the occasion of his giving and receiving divers ugly 
wounds. His tactics led him rather to endeavor to 
accomplish his ends by tiring out an opponent than 
by a prompt attack ; always excepting, of course, 
those sudden and apparently altogether uncontrollable 
manifestations that gave him a name to be feared. 

Hugh Peters, on one occasion, went up from Salem, 
while the Court was in session, to convert him to his 
own views respecting Mr. Williams ; which views, as 
the world know, were decidedly hostile to the good 
man. But he either under-estimated Mr. Hubbard 
or over-estimated himself, and found argument and 
wheedling alike inefiectual. And being, like Peter 



174 II- SHINING LIGHTS. 

of old, of a hasty temper, he resorted to such expe- 
dients as were sure to accomplish least with such a 
man as he was then laboring with. They walked up 
the lane, and when near where the Old South church 
now stands, were in such warm dispute as to attract 
the attention of a couple of red-and-white heifers who 
were browsing by the fence, and who looked up with 
wonder, evidently realizing that the two men were 
not conferring together in brotherly love. And did 
the reader never observe how readily the lower animals 
distinguish the various tempers of men ? If he did 
not, there yet remains a very interesting study for 
him to take up. 

The animated discussion went on, and the heifers 
still followed them with wondering eyes, till all of a 
sudden Mr. Peters found himself sprawling in a bar- 
berry bush. The heifers were panic struck at this 
manifestation, and not knowing but their turn might 
come next, erected their tails, threw up their heels, 
and rushed off in a manner more indicative of care 
for their own safety than sympathy for the poor man 
in the barberry bush. Mr. Hubbard himself mani- 
fested, if possible, less curiosity as to the result of his 
forcible demonstration than the heifers, and walked 
on, as if nothing had happened ; perhaps in his ab- 
stractedness he did not notice that any thing did 
happen. It turned out, however, that Mr. Peters was 
little injured beyond bearing upon his face and 
hands ample evidence that even a barberry bush can 
retaliate when its privacy is violently invaded. And 
I should have mentioned, when speaking of Mr. Hub- 
bard's street conference with the Governor on Artil- 



LEVI HUBBARD. 1/5 

lery election day, that the latter dignitary finally 
received a blow that sent him staggering against a 
tree, and shaking his cocked hat from his head into 
a mud-puddle. He was so amazed that he gave a 
bewildered look upward as if to see if the lightning 
might not have had some hand in the assault. But 
recollecting himself, he made no doubt that he was in 
the company of a mad-man, and in terrible fright 
took to his heels, rushing on, hatless and with his 
ruffles flaring in the breeze, till he met Capt. Keayne, 
who, with drawn sword, assumed the office of body- 
guard. The offender was presently brought before 
the bar of the House, where he was " censured to 
pay a fyne of ;^40." An attempt was indeed made 
to expel him ; but there is nothing on the records 
to show that such an untoward result was accom- 
plished. 

Mr. Hubbard had his sympathies deeply touched 
by the sufferings of the Quakers during the persecu- 
tions here — if persecutions they may be justly called, 
where the authorities were so provoked and defied. 
He managed to get returned to the Court two or 
three times during that dark period, though he was 
then well along in years, and did what he could to 
arrest the progress of the evil. He very reasonably 
urged that the most rampant among them should be 
treated as lunatics, not as criminals ; that such others 
as were guilty of misdemeanors under the law should 
be punished simply for those misdemeanors ; and 
that all others should be let alone ; the matter of 
their religion not being taken into account at all. 
And he was right. Persecution for religion only 



1/6 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

makes the sufferer more resolute, and, we might say, 
blind to the defects of his system, and secures to him 
at once the sympathy of floating minds. Mormonism, 
we will venture to say, would at this time appear but as 
a strange episode in our past history, had it not been 
for the Missouri and Illinois persecutions. Indeed, 
did it not appear like irreverence and a leaving out 
of view the interposition of a divine hand, it might 
be asked what would have become of Christianity 
had not the blood of the martyrs flowed during its 
early days. 

Genuine sympathy has an energizing power of its 
own, and is very apt to assimilate itself to the object 
that attracts it. And so it fell out with Mr. Hubbard. 
From sympathizing with the Quakers, in an abstract 
way, he came by degrees to look with approbation on 
their principles ; and from that he took the next 
natural step and embraced their views. If the Qua- 
kers of that time had been much like those bearing 
the name at this day, it might reasonably have been 
expected that he, a sincere adherent, would repress 
further manifestations of his offensive propensity. 
But they were an altogether different kind of people. 
And he does not appear to have changed to any 
great extent. He was not in very good odor, and 
the hand of persecution fell on him. His lands were 
seized, and he found it expedient to retire into the 
Rhode Island jurisdiction. 

It has been fashionable, in later times, to stigmatise 
Rhode Island as politically benighted. But in her 
early history are to be found passages that outshine 
any passages in the history of her sister colonies 



LEVI HUBBARD. I 77 

of the same period. And her reception of those 
banished from their homes for opinions' sake will 
always remain to her credit. 

Mr. Hubbard opened a tavern on the road that led 
from the Providence settlement to the lower river 
towns. And there he prospered. The tavern did 
not probably yield much, as hardly a dozen travellers 
passed that way in a fortnight. His prosperity, 
therefore — for he was prosperous in being able to 
keep from starving to death — may be attributed to 
his industry in fishing and small farming ; though he 
occasionally did a little shrewd trading with the 
Indians. And this Indian trading puts us in mind 
of the disaster that closed his career. And with a 
recital of that disaster our career as his biographer 
must terminate. 

Having gone down to a small Narragansett settle- 
ment, on one of his trading expeditions, he sold to 
a local chief a wooden rake. What use the savage 
intended to put it to he did not inquire, and the other 
did not inform him. But it appears he wanted it to 
dig clams with. As might have been expected, it 
was speedily a shapeless wreck. The loss of his 
rake enraged the Indian so much that, with his squaw 
lugging the remains, he sought out the trader and 
in the most energetic manner denounced him as a vile 
cheat, using some of those emphatic Indian words 
wherein are marshaled some ten or a dozen ks and as 
many n^ and t^. The astonished trader turned upon 
him one of his great staring looks, as if his compre- 
hension had become all clogged up by the mysterious 
utterances, and stood as fixed as a statue. And it 

H* 12 



178 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

were enough to dumfounder a more sapient mortal 
than he to have such terrible words as kukketassiita- 
mooiik — imtahquontamoMinonog — quttianatamimach 
— sagkompagunaiinnean — hurled at his defenceless 
head, supported by others equally destructive, in a 
raging Indian voice. Yet these are genuine Indian 
words, just as they are found in the Lord's prayer in 
Eliot's Bible. 

But after standing in mute astonishment a few 
moments, Mr. Hubbard unluckily permitted a stone 
hammer to fly forth from his hand, with great force, 
hitting the exasperated savage plump in the stomach, 
and knocking him over a jagged stump. His vigilant 
squaw, witnessing the assault upon her dusky lord, 
in the fervor of conjugal resentment hurled a tom- 
ahawk with murderous force at the head of the assail- 
ant. It struck home, burying itself even in the 
brain. And the two marched off, leaving him as 
cold as the clods on which he lay. 

And then, with that admirable consistency which 
so marked the conduct of the colonists, there was a 
great ferment among the virtuous people who had 
driven him off into that far country. The cruelties 
of the savages were recounted at every fireside, and 
the brave colonial soldiery were called out to avenge 
the crime and teach the " tawny salvage devils " a 
lesson in the christian tactics of extermination. 

In reviewing Mr. Hubbard's doings as a member 
of the General Court, we must give him credit for; 
the steadfast pursuance of a course that he honestly 
believed would result in the future good of the country. 
Like the generality of the patriots of the time, he 



ADONIRAM NORTON, 1/9 

thought less of pohshing up the foundation stones 
of the poHtical fabric to be reared on this rugged soil, 
than of having them firmly laid and well cemented. 

It is instructive, too, to observe with what confi- 
dence the Court went about its business, and with 
what assurance, sometimes impudence, it here and 
there deposited the little political eggs which they 
never doubted would in the future be vitalized and 
produce such results as would astonish the world. 
It may indeed be said that they were accustomed to 
count chickens before they were hatched. Well, and 
where is the harm in attempting to do that .'' If the 
eggs are good and the incubater faithful the result is 
almost as sure as a law of nature can make it. 



ADONIRAM NORTON. 

This sketch, which closes our chapter on Shining 
Lights, can hardly be called " biographical," in the 
general understanding of the term, as it is intended 
simply to refer to a few special characteristics of the 
individual, and to detail a few of his peculiar acts — 
though it is barely possible that something further 
may inweave itself from the abundance of material, 
as we proceed. But as it is not judicious to make 
promises when there is no call for them ; we will go 
on without further remark. 

There always have been and probably always will 



l80 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

be in the legislature, members who are mere talkcj's. 
But these are useful in one way, if no other. They 
serve to protract the annual sessions, and thereby 
put money into the pockets of their fellow legislators 
as well as their own. Such ones fancy that they can 
talk on any subject, without preparation, and to the 
purpose ; and under that infatuation are everlastingly 
jumping up to exhibit their shallowness. They de- 
stroy what influence they possibly might otherwise 
have, waste the time and exhaust the patience of their 
betters, and do violence to sweet silence itself. Some 
people seem to think there is no virtue in silence. 
Then is there no virtue in thought, no virtue in that 
great internal machine which works on silently and 
evolves the outward act, and which, noiseless itself, is 
especially liable to be disturbed by the clatter of 
tongues. Speech making very soon destroys the 
reputation of one who has not something really sub- 
stantial within to strengthen and support that noisy 
member which under weak guidance becomes as 
sounding brass. 

So long as a man has discretion to preserve silence, 
there is a mystery about him which is quite likely to 
give him a value entirely undeserved ; but when he 
profanes the silence he is forced to his proper position. 
It is one of the greatest possible achievements of 
self-denial for a talkative man to keep silence, as 
conceit generally accompanies talkativeness. Con- 
stituents are often much to blame ; for it is wonderful 
to see how elated they some times are over the diluted 
oratory. It is fortunate for most of these talkers 
that it was graciously ordered that tongues are not 



ADONIRAM NORTON. l8l 

liable to fatigue and do not wear out. But if they did 
wear out, I do not know that much would be gained, 
as most likely some ingenious mechanic would invent 
artificial ones — as it is with teeth — and so defeat 
a kind purpose of nature. Tongueless heads, as well 
as toothless, would probably be rare. But are talkers 
useful in any other way than that named .-* It is 
doubtful if they are. True, one who is forever talking 
must almost of necessity now and then say a good 
thing. Parrots have been known to utter famous 
sayings. But the little good that the legislative talk- 
ers do, is counterbalanced, swamped and smothered 
by the torrent of unprofitable utterances. One may 
naturally have a fertile genius without any power 
of abstraction ; that is, he may have ideas enough 
bubbling up in his brain, without power to make a 
vigorous pursuit of any particular one. And such a 
one ought to realize that without severe discipline he 
can never possess force of character or influence. 
The poet so circumstanced may indeed fling out a 
spray of pearls, but for lack of proper setting their 
beauty is hardly apparent. With such people it is 
easier to talk than think, and so they talk on to the 
end. 

It was a remark of the great Webster, that he never 
allowed himself to attempt, unprepared, to address an 
assembly, as he would thereby not only show disre- 
spect to them, but endanger his own reputation. 
And that kindred spirit, Rufus Choate, often made a 
similar remark of himself In his law cases, however 
unimportant the matter involved, he thoroughly pre- 
pared himself, at every point ; always relying for the 



1 82 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

result, on his own strength ; never on the weakness 
of his adversary. There is no man, with a thimble- 
ful of common sense, who, after suitable investigation, 
cannot say something pertinent and useful on any 
subject, and say it in an understandable way, if he 
avoids the magniloquent. But there are not three in 
forty, even with more common sense than an egg-shell 
could hold, who can say any thing profitable and in a 
graceful manner, off-hand, on any subject ; notwith- 
standing there are countless multitudes who flatter 
themselves that such things are easily done. 

It seems to be the general opinion that our Legis- 
latures have been year by year deteriorating. If that 
is true, I am inclined to believe that the cause lies in 
the fact that so many aspire to be orators, shunning 
the work that some body must do. Most people find 
it easier to talk than work. And when members are 
ambitious of becoming popular and seeing their pretty 
names in the newspapers, there is a strong temptation 
to give the tongue full license. There is some reason 
to fear that talk may yet be the ruin of this nation. 
It did more than any thing else to stir up the great 
Rebellion. And we should take warning lest some 
where in the future, old Time should find occasion to 
weep over the nation's decease and inscribe on his 
roll, " Died of Talk." 

There is, however, in every decent legislative 
assembly, a sprinkling of doers, who in an open and 
honest way diligently apply themselves to the perform- 
ance of their duties, without jingle or display. And 
they are the great salvors among the political wreckers 
who so abound. Still, it must be admitted that we 



ADONIRAM NORTON. 1 83 

occasionally find among the doers, one who exhibits 
traits little more to be prized than those of the talkers. 
In fact unbalanced people, whether talkers or doers, 
are mere mischief makers. 

Perhaps it would be fair to say that a large majority 
of people are passive and yielding — if not morally 
and mentally lazy — and suffer themselves to be gov- 
erned by the few, who very likely have not half their 
natural ability, but make up by activity, ambition, 
and assurance. Every man has some side door, or 
back entrance to his brain ; and whoever has the 
patience and shrewdness to watch his chance and 
whip into the mental working chamber, is pretty 
sure to have a hand in engineering the machinery. 
But what can be done about these things ? Echo 
answers, What ? 

Among the doers of the unbalanced class, must be 
reckoned the member to whom this sketch relates — 
Adoniram Norton. And it will be observed that 
he met with a variety of adventures and disastrous 
encounters ; but the moving cause in his case was 
altogether different from that which produced similar 
efiects in the case of Mr. Hubbard. The career 
of both was through the region of peril ; but their 
roads ran in very different directions. Yet from the 
course of either a profitable lesson may be drawn. 

Mr. Norton was a member of the General Court 
for many years, and fancied that he could do any 
thing, from the drawing up of the most elaborate 
state paper, to the mending of the wooden latch on 
the House door. And his conceit further led him to 
believe that no body else could do things so well as 



184 n, SHINING LIGHTS. 

he. He was not an under-hand, mousing, dishonest 
plotter, but boldly and cordially seized supposed duty 
by the hand. All things must be done in his way, 
or they were not rightly done ; and whatever the 
excellencies of the pie might be, the flavor was not 
good unless he had a finger in it. He not only in- 
sisted on holding the axe himself but also turning 
the grindstone. And it may easily be imagined to 
what inflammatory results such a disposition would 
occasionally lead. It made him of course dogmatical 
and dictatorial ; and soon gained for him the reputa- 
tion of a meddler. Snubbing did not deter him, for 
he was above being annoyed by petty insults. 

He managed to get himself appointed on as many 
committees as possible ; and to most others he at- 
tached himself as a supernumerary. And he really 
did sometimes make himself useful in doing drudgery 
which others to whom the task legitimately belonged 
had shirked. There were in the House some shrewd 
ones among the talkers, who took advantage of him 
as a doer, and managed to strap their own most gall- 
ing burdens on his ready shoulders. But we must 
proceed to give a few details. 

A committee was sent out to ascertain some facts 
in regard to the tides in Charles river, near its mouth. 
He was not a member of the committee, but took 
upon himself the duty of accompanying them and 
directing the survey ; which interference was not dis- 
tasteful to them, as they preferred lazing around on 
the banks and eating clams as they came hot from 
their drift-wood fire. Toward night they called their 
duty done, and took the path homeward. 



ADONIRAM NORTON. 1 85 

They had not proceeded far when Mr. Norton hap- 
pened to think of something concerning a " sounding 
of diagonals," as he called it, and went back alone. 
On reaching the margin, he pulled off his shoes and 
leggins, rolled up his small-clothes as far as possible, 
and boldly entered the maze of mud and water direct- 
ing his steps toward the channel. Presently he found 
himself beyond firm footing, and in the region of 
quicksands. His tender feet every now and then 
received a gash from the shells of the irate clams 
whose domestic privacy was so unceremoniously intru- 
ded on ; for, as before observed, there is hardly any 
thing that has the breath of life, even down to the 
almost inanimate barberry bush, that at some time 
has not the power and the opportunity to retaliate for 
an invasion of its rights : — a reason why we should 
walk circumspectly, and void of needless offence 
toward all. 

A green coated old lobster stared as he passed 
by his arbor of kelp, and eagerly extended his grace- 
ful claw. But our friend, apprehending that a tighter 
grip than mere friendship required, was intended, 
in some trepidation sheared off to the right. And 
sundry other dangers his watchfulness enabled him 
to avoid, so that his energies were reserved to meet 
the danger, greater than all, that lay before him. 

The water was cold ; and notwithstanding an occa- 
sional admonitory grip of the cramp, he kept on with 
his investigations, till the advancing tide began seri- 
ously to interfere. It evidently had no intention to 
consult his convenience, and so he wisely concluded to 
retire. To that end he took a stride or two off to the 



1 86 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

left, when .... down he went, almost to his very 
middle, in the mud. And there he was, poor man, as 
immovable as a scare-crow in a cornfield. If he had 
not found his "sounding of diagonals," he had reached 
the " fixed perpendicular." The affair now assumed 
a really serious aspect ; for, do what he could, he was 
entirely unable to extricate himself; indeed his des- 
perate struggles seemed only to sink him deeper. 
And every body knows that when one is fairly in a 
difficulty it is easier to get deeper than to get clear. 
To all appearance he was destined to remain till the 
rising water extinguished the very lamp of life. No 
one was near to render assistance ; but he kept up a 
fearful hallooing. On came the pitiless tide. One 
button of his doublet disappeared beneath it ; then 
another ; and another. And then there was a gurg- 
ling about his throat. 

The last ray of hope was expiring, when, to his 
unspeakable joy, he dimly perceived a skiff whirl 
round a bend of the river and head towards him. He 
threw up his arms and splashed the water about with 
all his power. And it soon appeared that he had 
secured attention. But what was his dismay to see 
a tall figure on board first eye him attentively and 
then stoop down and seize a gun, with which delib- 
erate aim was taken at his head, evidently under a 
mistake that he was some strange animal. He now 
felt doubly convinced that a few more minutes would 
close his earthly record. Crack ! went the gun. But 
at the critical instant the aim was disturbed by an- 
other figure which sprang up and seized the arm 
that held the weapon. 



ADONIRAM NORTON. 1 8/ 

The two in the skiff were Sunny Wave and her 
father. Her sharper eye discerned the character 
of the object that had attracted their attention ; and 
her prompt movement saved the valuable life of our 
friend, the ball whizzing off very wide of its mark. 

The water was just submerging the chin of Mr. 
Norton when the skiff reached him. " Me swear 
much ! " ejaculated Arrow John, instantly compre- 
hending the state of the case, " Master Norton stuck 
in dam mud-stocks ! Swear more ! " But without 
consuming any time on side issues, he at once 
grasped him by the hair of the head, with both hands^ 
and gave a desperate twitch, a twitch that most likely 
would have forever relieved his shoulders from the 
burden of supporting his head, had not the hair 
yielded and come out by the roots. But not a mo- 
ment was to be lost ; that was evident. The red 
brother next tugged desperately at the arms, aided by 
the feeble strength of his daughter, who was sobbing 
violently. " Don't roar, don't roar, little squaw," ex- 
claimed the observant parent, " tug, tug, we'll fetch 
um. Scream ! Make dam noise ! Swear more ! " But 
with all their efforts they could effect nothing. Then, 
with a rapidity of action quite uncommon for an In- 
dian, down he dove, with a tremendous grunt, and 
grasped the imperiled legislator firmly by the legs. 
Possessing great muscular strength, he was able, 
with a little energetic pulling and wrenching, to effect 
his purpose. And up the two came, in a surrounding 
of sprightly bubbles, to the inexpressible delight of 
Sunny Wave, who almost overset the boat by her 
antics. He was paddled ashore in all haste, and then 



1 88 ir. SHINING LIGHTS. 

rubbed and rolled in the sand, and squeezed, and 
pounded, till he recovered strength enough to cry for 
quarter. As soon as he was able to walk, he was 
conducted to the tavern where he lodged, and a 
liberal quantity of that invigorating liquor so aptly 
termed by the red men fire-water, poured into his 
stomach as a healthy substitute for the salt water 
that had been forced out by the rolling and pressing. 
Then a warm bed awaited him. And when his com- 
passionate deliverers left for their canoe, he was " as 
comfortable as could be expected." But it was days 
before he was able to assist the lazy committee in 
making up their report to the House. And when it 
did come it contained not a word touching the " sound- 
ing of diagonals." 

After this adventure, Arrow John never sp6ke of 
Mr. Norton by any other name than " Master Stick- 
in-mud." He had, however, no idea of offering an 
indignity, but simply pursued the interesting figura- 
tive mode of expression so much lauded as indicative 
of the lofty poetic conception of the Indians. But the 
nickname was snapped up by others, until it was 
generally adopted, much to his occasional annoyance ; 
and it clung to him, with cruel tenacity, to the day 
of his death. 

The little tavern at which Mr. Norton, in common 
with a number of the other Representatives, boarded, 
was situated in a pretty green lane of which the present 
Salem street formed a part. The landlord was a right 
jolly fellow, and ready to do any thing to accommo- 
date his patrons and amuse them after the onerous 
labors of the day. Among various appliances for 



ADONIRAM NORTON. 1 89 

the latter purpose, he had a young bear that his 
friend Arrow John had given him in return for an 
indefinite number of mugs of home-brewed beer, a 
beverage which, remarkably enough for an Indian, he 
preferred to the strongest fire-water. 

This bear was usually held in linked allegiance to 
the sign-post in front of the house, and showed great 
aptitude at drawing within the charmed circle of his 
travels such pigs and poultry as were more curious 
than cautious ; though considerable of his valuable 
time was consumed in repelling the assaults of rude 
boys. He also possessed commendable ambition to 
succeed in the higher attainments lying within the 
mental scope of his species, not being contented with 
merely giving a paw, or sucking a finger when invited 
to the feat by some juvenile stroller. His master, 
having a quick perception of intellectual development, 
and a disposition to aid in the progress of learning, 
provided a teacher, in the person of an uncouth old 
cripple, who had strayed up from one of the Plymouth 
settlements some months before, and claimed to be a 
regular bear-tamer. His pretensions were large ; but 
it was evident that no professional attempts on his 
own self had been successful. 

Mr. Norton was not long in ignorance of what 
was going on, and of course usurped the position 
of the cripple, taking the task of training into his 
own hands, declaring that it was a pity that the evi- 
dently superior natural gifts of bruin should remain 
dormant for want of proper instruction. So, in pur- 
suance of this self-imposed duty, he devoted many an 
evening and morning hour to the company of his 



igO II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

four-footed pupil, sometimes in the presence of a 
crowd of his brother Representatives. Nor did the 
dignified Assistants, or even the Governor, forego 
the opportunity to occasionally witness the rare diver- 
sion. The few bites and scratches he received, served 
only to increase his respect for the talents — perhaps 
talons, would be as appropriate orthography — of the 
woodland captive, and his conviction that he was in 
the way of duty. It was delightful as well as instruc- 
tive to see how, after a few lessons, bruin would seat 
himself as far out as his chain would permit, meekly 
fold his paws, and look up and listen. And when he 
came to the practical tests, on an exhibition morning, 
it was highly edifying to observe with what assiduity 
he would endeavor to display his accomplishments, 
and perform such new exercises as might be suggested 
to his rapidly developing intellect. It was clear that 
he soon saw he had a part to perform in the world, 
and that much was expected of him. Indeed Mr. 
Norton took every method to impress upon him the 
scriptural injunction that much would be required 
from those to whom much had been given. 

It was Mr. Norton's invariable custom, on a sunny 
morning, to step out, take a pinch of snuff, look the 
cheerful luminary square in the face, and quietly stand 
till a hearty sneeze came to his relief It was not 
that he had confidence in the Persian faith and was 
endeavoring to propitiate their object of worship, but 
that he was a true believer in the good effects of 
sneezing, and imagined that the operation of the 
snuff was energized by the sunbeams. 

The bear's attention had never been specially di- 



ADONIRAM NORTON. I9I 

rected to this custom of his fellow-laborer for the 
entertainment of their mutual friends, but being an 
observant animal, and having withal a lively inclina- 
tion to imitate good actions, he was frequently seen, 
particularly when Mr. Norton was in view, to dab his 
right paw into the left, and then gravely tap his nose. 
This done, he would cock his blinking eyes toward 
the sun, as if he felt it a god to worship, and keep them 
there till the agony was almost overpowering. Next, 
he would make a ridiculous attempt at sneezing. 
And then, if his success were at all commensurate 
with his effort, he would take a turn around the post 
and seat himself with marked satisfaction. His grav- 
ity during these feats was so ludicrous that an Egyp- 
tian sphynx could almost be expected to laugh. 

It is astonishing what makes some animals imitate 
particular actions and disregard others. I once knew 
a parrot, belonging to a young lady, who thoughtlessly 
permitted it to remain in the room while she held 
tender interviews with the young man to whom she 
was affianced. It was not long before the reprobate 
bird, whenever he saw the youth come in, no matter 
who was present, began to make the most whimsical 
attempts to imitate a smack of the lips, much to the 
annoyance of its blushing little mistress. But this 
paragraph is clearly impertinent to our subject, and 
should be omitted in reading. 

It is not inappropriate, however, while speaking of 
the traits of the lower animals, to say a word respecting 
certain characteristics and assumptions of our young 
friend Sunny Wave. She exhibited a wonderful com- 
prehension of the powers, tempers, and means of 



192 11. SHINING LIGHTS. 

communication, so to speak, of all living things. And 
it was not uncommon for her, with the utmost sin- 
cerity and assurance to undertake to interpret the 
cries and calls of beast and bird. 

Conceptions of this kind would, of course, be more 
likely to prevail among such untutored children of 
nature than among the philosophical and learned. 
But yet, she seems really to have possessed so mar- 
velous a power in modulating her voice by the songs 
of birds, and apparently responding to the burden 
of their carols, in language they understood, as almost 
to convince that she certainly could make good her 
claim. And her white friends, in their woodland 
rambles, frequently received exquisite gratification 
from her amazing feats. She unhesitatingly declared 
that her feathered friends often told her of the beau- 
tiful lands they visited in their migrations, of their 
loves and their trials ; and more than all else, that 
they occasionally came with pleasant tidings from 
the bright land where the Great Spirit dwelt. With 
touching earnestness she adhered to these conceits 
and showed her sincerity by the impressions of joy 
or sadness she received through them. 

In the whispering of the trees, too, there was to 
her a living language. The sighing of a hemlock 
always had a saddening influence ; for she said it 
spoke only of something sorrowful. Scarcely ever 
could she, without a tear, listen to the mournful 
sound. And she affirmed that on the day of her 
mother's death, while far away, sitting on a rock, by 
the side of a brook, with another Indian maid, twining 
rushes, she heard the old hemlock near which they 



ADONIRAM NORTON. 1 93 

sat, tell the brook about the great calamity that was 
even then falling upon her. 

She made no boast of her power, nor attempted 
any explanation. And probably there can be no expla- 
nation which leaves out of view her rare quickness 
of apprehension, sensitiveness, and acuteness of ob- 
servation. We speak of a renovating spirit some- 
times breathed into a man ; but can he explain the 
operation or do any thing more than simply realize 
the blessed possession .-' It is not wise to undertake 
to set bounds in such matters ; for who can know 
enough of nature and nature's laws to interpret these 
her mysteries. Every body can call to mind instances 
wherein it seemed to them that they could all but 
grasp the chord of communication with some favorite 
object of the inferior tribes. 

But be the power what it may, it evidently imparted 
a peculiar charm to the bright forest child to whom 
we have so often alluded, and did much to render her 
an object of especial interest to the more cultivated 
of the settlers. What the effect of such ideas was in 
the moulding and modifying of her whole character it 
is not our purpose to endeavor to show. Bat that they 
engendered fortitude in many a trying exigency, there 
is little doubt. And it is proposed here to briefly 
notice a touching instance in which her courageous 
endurance was singularly conspicuous. 

Somewhere in what is known as the Highland 
district of Boston, was a wild retreat, much visited 
by the little pic-nic parties of the time. The walk 
thither from the chief settlement, was rather long, 
but at that time pedestrianism was esteemed less a 
I 13 



194 II- SHINING LIGHTS. 

hardship than it now is. The woods around were 
dense, and the ponds and Httle brooks added their 
animating charms to the diversified landscape. 

It was in this retreat that a party of young people 
assembled on a warm August afternoon, and engaged 
with flowing spirits in the sports appropriate to such 
an occasion. Sunny Wave appeared among them, 
and by her exploits added much to the entertainment. 
So agreeably did the time pass, that the shades of 
night were fast gathering when they began to realize 
that it was high time to take the path homeward. It 
was just then discovered that one of the younger girls 
was missing. No great alarm was felt, and Sunny 
Wave promptly volunteered, in company with one 
of the young men, to go in quest of her, while the 
others leisurely pursued their way toward the town. 

But the search was not so successful as anticipated. 
Neither by shouts nor any other means could they 
accomplish any thing, and soon began to entertain 
serious apprehensions. They were still beating about 
when deep darkness had set in. A broad swamp 
stretched away westward, along the confines of Vv-hich 
they followed a cart-way, till a wide quagmire inter- 
vened. Pausing to consider what step next to take, 
they were startled by the wild ringing note of a 
whip-poor-will, circling within the swamp. 

Sunny Wave was quite overcome by the abrupt 
cry, and stood in breathless silence listening for fur- 
ther utterances of the mysterious bird. The plaintive 
notes were repeated again and again. Then she be- 
came agitated, and in solemn whispers announced to 
her companion that they were death notes, and that 



ADONIRAM NORTON. 1 95 

the bird was then wheeHng over the spot where lay 
the remains of the object of their search, and was 
calHng them thither. He was greatly shocked, and 
would have retreated. But she seized his hand and 
hurried right down into the dreary mazes of the 
swamp. Straight on she led, regardless of the diffi- 
culties of the way, guided by the still repeated wail 
of the whip-poor-will, he accompanying as unresist- 
ingly as if under the spell of an enchantress. 

They reached a great hemlock that threw aloft its 
mournful branches, and in the night breeze whispered 
to her as she averred, the story of the calamity. On 
a dry branch above their heads sat the bird whose 
voice had lured them to that lonely spot. A few 
paces off was a pool of deep, black waters, surrounded 
by briars and rocks, abounding with hidden dangers, 
and seeming like some infernal toil prepared for the 
destruction of the unwary. They scrambled down, 
at the only accessible point, for she well knew the 
place, and peered into the murky depths. A deathly 
silence brooded there, and no token of recent disturb- 
ance of the dark surface appeared. 

Sunny Wave leaned over, almost beyond her poise, 
her loose locks dangling even in the water, and wnth 
earnest eye scanned every mark that might determine 
the dread inquiry. Then suddenly another note of 
the night bird rang out with startling energy, and at 
the same instant a flash of lightning came, in a fiery 
crinkle descending into the dark, weird depths of 
the pool, illumining its remotest privacy. Quick 
almost as the flash itself the ardent girl plunged right 
down into the abyss, and the cold waters closed over 



196 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

her. So long did she remain that the surface regained 
its quiescence, and the young man began to have 
sickening apprehensions that she would never rise 
again. But she did ascend, bearing a weight almost 

beyond her strength It was the lifeless form 

of the lost maiden. 

No effort of theirs could restore life to the fated 
one. And without uttering a word they bore their 
dripping burden to the foot of the hemlock and laid 
it gently down. Then the Indian girl, in perfect 
calmness, bade her companion hasten away for aid, 
saying that she would remain watching with the dead 
till relief came. Without a word of remonstrance he 
prepared to obey, and she hastily guided him to the 
path. Then she returned to the tree, and gathering 
her wet garments about her, sat down to her lonely 
vigil, taking the pale, cold head, with face upturned 
upon her lap. 

As midnight approached, the tempest which for 
hours had been threatened came furiously on. The 
dense, black clouds spread out like a mighty pall, the 
lightnings sped in golden chains across them, while 
the thunders reverberated with majestic echos among 
the hills. Then the winds whistled and the torrents 
poured. But no raging of the elements could daunt 
the gentle watcher. 

The fury of the storm was soon spent, and the 
moon and stars began fitfully to throw their serene 
rays down through the openings of the retreating 
clouds. And the branches swayed gently to and fro 
as if to permit the placid light once more to kiss the 
pale face that lay upturned to that calm, intrepid gaze. 



ADONIRAM NORTON. I97 

By some unfortuitoiis circumstance, no relief came 
till the dawn of morning. And they found Sunny 
Wave still seated under the branches of the old hem- 
lock with the lifeless head upon her knee. To their 
expressions of wonder at her courage, she only replied, 
" I no fraid. White girl never hurt when alive. Why 
hurt when dead .'' Had talk with trees and bird about 
my mother. She now with Great Spirit. White girl 
there too. Once got up to drive off wolf All safe 
now. I go back to wigwam." 

It is not wonderful that the occurrence here detailed 
should have created a marked sensation throughout 
the settlements, nor that the heroic conduct of the 
Indian girl should have been greatly applauded. It 
indeed led to the formation of new and valuable 
friendships. Among others, the Rev. Mr. Eliot, of 
the Roxbury church, took great pains to win her 
confidence and prepare her virgin mind for the higher 
instruction he was so anxious and so able to bestow. 
She fully appreciated his kindness, and presently 
became a frequent visitor at his house. Her grati- 
tude was shown in various ways. And she at differ- 
ent times induced her father to afford the good man 
important assistance in his apostolic labors among 
the fierce Natics. But the rarest enjoyments are 
often succeeded by the most grievous pains. And 
her happy familiarity in that hospitable home was 
ultimately the occasion of many afflictive hours. 

The young man who had borne her company on 
that distressing night in the woods, was an inmate 
of the family of Mr. Eliot, though in what capacity, 
does not appear. It in lime became apparent that 



198 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

he cherished a regard for her, much more tender than 
the word friendship would express. His friends be- 
came greatly concerned, but offered their counsel 
with hesitancy, as it was a puzzling question what 
view to take of probable ultimate events. Similar 
unions, which were not uncommon, particularly along 
the frontier settlements had sometimes proved highly 
successful ; though it could not be denied that more 
commonly the reverse was true. And the attachment 
of the youth strengthened, day by day, as every im- 
pediment suggested by friend or foe faded away in 
the ardent glow that had beamed upon his path. 

But the whole difficulty was presently solved by 
Sunny Wave herself Her quick perceptions discov- 
ered to her the predilection of the young man, and 
she became much disturbed, availing herself of every 
opportunity to signify to him in some gentle way her 
disinclination. As he became more and more per- 
sistent she became more and more decided. And 
her visits to places where she would be likely to meet 
him were less and less frequent. This, however, was 
perhaps viewed as mere coyness. Finally she took 
an opportunity to fully unburden her mind to Mr. 
Eliot, and beseech him to interpose his good offices. 
" I no fit for white man squaw," said she, " White 
man no fit for me. He love big house. I love poor 
little wigwam. He love much book, (casting her 
eyes around the library shelves.) I love read stars 
and flowers." And so she went on in her simple, 
earnest way enumerating what seemed irreconcilable 
points of divergance, till her reverend counsellor be- 
came seriously impressed. And then she added, 



ADONIRAM NORTON. 1 99 

" White man love for Indian wife die slow, slow, till 
all gone. Then she sorry. Wish dead. Sunny Wave 
tell father. He say, * No like it. Dam. Swear much. 
Little squaw have Indian brave.' Can't have Rob. 
Yow tell um. I sorry. Cry much. Sunny Wave 
say, No, no. Rob say. Yes, yes. Then she no more 
come here. He no more see her." 

Mr. Eliot was greatly moved by her artless impor- 
tunity and urged upon the youth the many strong 
reasons for relinquishing his pursuit. And he had 
sufficient command over his feelings to finally yield 
to the counsel of his friends. But the occurrence 
proved to be in some respects an unfortunate episode 
in the lives of both. This, however, is not the place 
for the narration of subsequent events connected with 
the affair. 

Nor is it the place to enlarge upon the action of 
the Court, which the affair gave rise to. It was the 
remote cause of some of the peculiar enactments 
touching the domestic relations which have afforded 
so much amusement to the people of later days. Mr. 
Norton took great interest in the matter, induced 
perhaps, in the first place, by the fact that the young 
man had previously shown partiality to a pretty niece 
of his. 

But we must now return to the too long neglected 
company of Mr. Norton. 

His labors at bear-training came to a speedy and 
abrupt end. By some mysterious means the ungrate- 
ful beast, during a tempestuous night, disappeared. 
If he went back to his kindred of the forest he was 
not perhaps very highly censurable ; for the spirit 



200 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

of the adage, " Home is home if ever so homely," is 
felt just as strongly in the breast of a bear as in any 
other breast. But inasmuch as his friend the Ply- 
mouth cripple had manifested some jealousy and ill- 
nature at having his professional labor taken with so 
little ceremony out of his hands by Mr. Norton, and 
had disappeared on the same tempestuous night, 
there were suspicions that the two had commenced 
their travels in company. If that were the case, 
however, it is to be feared that they had a falling out 
by the way ; for a few days after, an Indian appeared 
in Boston, with a bear skin for sale, very much, in 
color and capacity, like that which the lost bruin was 
accustomed to wear. And upon the neck part there 
was a chafed circle, looking a good deal as if the 
original owner of the skin had been accustomed to 
wear a linked necklace. The Indian said he killed 
the bear when he was in full chase after a limping 
something that much resembled one of the tavern 
keeper's scare-crows ; and that he had come round by 
the corn-field to see if any were missing. 

One day Mr. Norton came halting into the House 
with his head bound up, and all his visible parts 
bruised and scratched, his clothes torn, and on the 
whole in a miserably dilapidated condition. In this 
case, as usual, he had been the victim of his presump- 
tuous interference. 

On his way to the Court he came across a wood- 
chopper busily at work on the side of a hill. And 
nothing would do but he must hand over his axe and 
take a lesson on felling and trimming. This was not 
at all distasteful to the chopper, as it afforded an 



ADONIRAM NORTON. 20I 

opportunity for him to lounge on a neighboring rock, 
and feast upon the grapes that hung invitingly about 
his head. The work went bravely on, for our hero 
did with diligence what his hands undertook to do. 
Presently the remains of an ancient walnut, already 
felled, had been disposed of, and he applied himself to 
the task of leveling a stately oak. And this, yielding 
more suddenly than anticipated, came near forever 
ending his labors. As it descended crashing to the 
earth, it took him in its inhospitable embrace, and 
produced the personal damage so apparent. His poor 
head, as he cunningly remarked, never got such a 
scratching before. Indeed he was scratched almost 
as desperately as the hero of the quickset hedge 
whose pathetic story has drawn so many tears ; and 
that, without the privilege of the proximity of the 
other hedge in which to jump and cure the mischief 
of the first. This was about enough for one morn- 
ing's work. And as soon as he had washed in a 
neighboring brook, and by the aid of the chopper 
bound up his head, obtaining material by the sacrifice 
of a considerable portion of his under garment, he 
limped off to the Court, where he had the goed fortune 
to arrive just in time to save himself from a fine for 
tardiness. 

As Mr. Norton was one day walking on the beach 
that stretched along a little east of what is now Dock 
Square, cogitating on a knotty question which had 
that morning disturbed the equanimity of the House, 
he observed a teamster loading seaweed in what to 
him seemed a very unprofessional way. He immedi- 



202 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

ately seized the fork, and proceeded to show how the 
thing should be done. The teamster sat down on a 
sand bank and complacently watched the progress 
of the work, while he enjoyed his pipe. Things went 
on well till an unlucky turn sent the fork deep into 
the flank of poor dobbin. Now a man while indulging 
in a good smoke can endure almost any provocation 
with equanimity, so deliciously absorbing is the 
enjoyment. But there are some trespasses beyond 
the limit of human endurance. And Mr. Norton, in 
the eyes of the teamster committed one of them, when 
he thus assaulted the unwary beast. 

Dobbin naturally enough received the thrust as a 
more than commonly sharp hint to push on. And 
off he dashed at a speed which any one who had 
known him for the previous twenty years would 
hardly have believed him capable of The cart was 
overturned and dismembered, and every thing broken 
that could be. The teamster was appalled on wit- 
nessing the disaster. But he was not long in pro- 
ceeding to action. The peace-making pipe had no 
power over him, and he fiercely assailed the author 
of the mischief He did not generalize his profanity, 
like Arrow John in his " Swear much," and " Swear 
more," but came down on the offending head with 
individual oaths of tremendous emphasis. And huge 
stones as well as huge oaths flew furiously about. 

Mr. Norton on this occasion received a severe 
wound on the back of the neck which gave him such 
a shock that he was unable to attend to his legislative 
duties for two or three days. But the greater shock 
was given to his moral sensibilities, by the profanity 



ADONIRAM NORTON. 203 

of the teamster, who was summoned before the Court, 
and compelled to act the part of a statue, with his 
offending tongue in a cleft stick. 

On the solemn occasion of the funeral of a member 
of the Court, there was an adjournment, that the 
others might attend the remains to the grave. A 
special committee was appointed to make the proper 
arrangements ; and Mr. Norton, though not a member, 
of course acted as one. After the long procession 
had- filed by the grave, each one taking a last look 
and dropping in a little sprig of evergreen, our friend 
lingered behind to see the coffin fitly arranged in its 
final resting place. He took some time to explain 
the proper mode of performing such duties, exhaust- 
ing all the patience of the sexton and his roguish 
assistant who were in a great hurry to be off on a 
husking frolic. Stepping hastily over the loose gravel 
on the brink, he lost his balance and was precipitated 
head foremost into the grave. The angry sexton, 
pretending not to have observed the accident, began 
to rattle down upon him the stones and gravel, with 
a will. And when the shrieks of the victim left no 
room for further pretense, a reluctant hand was ex- 
tended for his deliverance. But he had to suffer the 
pains of a broken jaw, as well as the taunts and jibes 
of some of his unappreciative fellow-legislators. 

But quite enough instances have been given to 
illustrate the character of Mr. Norton. Disasters 
similar to those narrated were constantly befalling 
him. A volume might be filled with details of his 



204 I^- SHINING LIGHTS. 

eccentric doings and the difficulties to which they 
led. Nothing could cure him of his unfortunate incli- 
nation. And neither the painful admonition of his 
wounds nor the silent admonition of his scars seemed 
to have the least restraining effect. 

It would be too remote from our purpose to follow 
him into his retirement after his public duties were 
ended. He became a resident of Concord. And 
there, even during his closing years, was constantly 
engaging in exploits such as one would have thought 
might have made it wise for him ever to keep his 
coffin at hand. He became almost preternaturally 
weak and attenuated, by loss of blood from his veins 
and marrow from his bones. And his visage was so 
covered with marks, and creases, and crow-feet, and 
scars, that it seemed as if old Time had with iron 
graver been writing a complete history of his mishaps 
there as on a tablet. 

As before remarked, Mr. Norton was one of the 
unbalanced doei's. And from his career we may see 
how little they are to be valued as legislators. It is 
the well-balanced doer who is the state jewel. And 
in other portions of this volume divers of these are 
presented for the admiration of the reader. It is not 
necessary to sketch one of the talkers, for whoever 
desires to behold a living specimen can be gratified 
by a visit to our legislative halls at any time. 

Besides the objectionable things about the talkers 
already noticed, there is one, worse perhaps than any 
other as a time-waster. And that is their everlast- 
ingly running into impertinent lines of argument. 
If they happen to have a little classical learning, 



ADONIRAM NORTON, 205 

the peace of Greece and Rome is disturbed. If they 
have laid violent hands on the innocent encyclopedia, 
every sort of learned diversion ensues. And with 
others come in the common, every-day interests to 
attract to right and left. It has sometimes occurred 
to the writer, in a figurative way, that it would be 
well to provide, at the public expense, a supply of 
side-blinders, to be worn by such legislators as are 
especially liable to prance off on side issues. 

But we must bid adieu to our superserviceable 
friend. He was a genius, as has sufficiently appeared ; 
but his talents were displayed in such an infelicitous 
manner that he became hedged about by the thorns 
and briars of disgust and ill-will ; a very offensive 
position, though one which many seem rather to take 
pleasure in occupying. 

And we leave him at his last resting place, in 
Concord — enviable Concord, whither have followed 
him other men of renown, in majestic procession even 
down to this our day — blessed Concord, the paradise 
of genius and philosophy — transcendental Concord, 
in whose shady dells the mystic sage has loved to 
meditate — flowery Concord, in whose dewy fields 
the poet has sought inspiration — ideal Concord, in 
whose weird mazes the romancer has delighted to 
muse — honest Concord, in which the juridical devotee 
has worshiped his musty tomes — sweet Concord, on 
whose verdant river banks, the lover has whispered 
tender tales — patriotic Concord whose gallant sons 
so bodly met the invading foe who came to smother 
the fire of liberty which they were just striving with 



206 II. SHINING LIGHTS. 

their dearest breath to kindle — happy Concord, of 
famous record, of rural quietude, of landscape beauty — 
lucky Concord, that holds the dust of Adoniram 
Norton. 

It often happens in the course of legislation that 
the labors which prove most useful are simply those 
which prevent most mischief And such labors are 
generally met with the severest criticism ; for in this 
ruined world, men's principles usually run in con- 
formity with their hopes of reward, creating an infi- 
nite variety of cross-cuts over every honest way. 

In these few sketches of legislative lights, it may 
appear to some that the lesser luminaries have been 
too generally presented. But those greater lights, 
as Dudley, Holyoke, Nowell, Pinchon, Saltonstall, and 
their compeers, shine too refulgently on the pages 
of history to justify the brief and imperfect notices 
that could be here given. From the careers of those 
we have presented some useful hints, we trust, will be 
drawn, and thus our labor of love prove successful. 



CHAPTER III. 



THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

IF it is proper to call legislators workers, and what 
they do, their works, then I suppose it is proper 
to call the place where the work is done, a work-house. 
It has been intimated by slanderous tongues that 
dominant political parties, as well as towns, not 
unfrequently have certain dependents whom they feel 
it expedient to provide for, pecuniarily, in a delicate 
way, and so send them up to the State House. Thus 
these party or municipal paupers are, after all, sent 
to the work-house, though a somewhat different insti- 
tution from that generally known by the name, and 
for which, in most cases, they are best fitted. 

But without further introduction we shall proceed 
on the topics of this chapter. 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS, 

FOR THE BODY PHYSICAL AND THE BODY LEGISLATIVE. 

Among the valuable notes of Mr. Pinion we find 
the following entry. It is to be wished that he had 
been more careful about giving dates, though in this 
case it is not of very great importance, as there will 

(207) 



208 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

te occasion as we proceed, often to quote from the 
public records, where accurate dates appear. But 
after all, dates are not usually of the substance of 
the things to which they relate. 

" Y^ Co''te," says Mr. Pinion, " did make divers 
orders whereby to manifest theire aucthoritie, and to 
show fourth what priviledges they w=^ haue ; likewise 
to provide for theire owne dyot, drincke and lodgen. 
And manie oth"" things of concernment in y^ right 
moveing of publique businesses, did they doe." 

It is proposed now to give an account of some of 
the quaint enactments of the Court on matters indi- 
cated by the sub-title placed above. It cannot be 
doubted that so august and powerful a body as the 
General Court would take some special care of their 
own selves — would see that their wants were pro- 
vided for and their dignity maintained. Indeed, it is 
pertinent to ask. Who is to take care of the legislature 
if it does not take care of itself.-' At the present time 
the members vote themselves pay, according to their 
own estimate of their services, and such estimate, as 
it relates to a good portion of them, is quite enough 
to make people stare, if indeed it does not make 
them do that worse thing, which rhymes with stare. 
Some carping defamers will have it that there are 
instances in which, if certain members were rewarded 
according to their deserts, they would be required to 
pay money into the treasury instead of taking it out. 
So on that score we ought to keep our mouths shut 
from any expression of amazement or amusement at 
what those venerable fathers did. 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 20Cf 

It appears to have been difficult for some of the 
members to obtain board and lodging while attending 
to their duties in Boston. Perhaps their credit was 
not good ; or they might have had such voracious 
appetites as to damage their reputation as boarders. 
But whatever the cause, it was certainly hard for the 
poor men to be compelled, under a penalty, to attend 
the Court, and then not be able to obtain a meal or a 
lodging place. 

Some, it is true, could pass the night in the airy 
legislative room — though the chinks and crevices 
that made it comfortable in summer, made it any 
thing but comfortable at other seasons — and take 
their bread and lard and cold meat there in the morn- 
ing. But then again, the members began to gather 
betimes in the morning, for the sessions, at most 
seasons of the year, commenced soon after daylight. 
By the proceedings of the Court, October 27, 1636, 
it appears that " M' Harlakendon, M"" Saltonstall, and 
M"" Mayhewe, being absent till near 9 aclock, were 
fined 5shs a peece" — which shows how early they 
were at the post of duty. And such seasonable 
attendance might almost lead one to conclude that 
by some sort of retroactive hocus-pocus, they had 
taken pattern from our modern legislators. 

Some of the less favored members certainly did 
grapple with their duties under difficulties, and were 
occasionally driven to straits in which dignity was 
fairly compromised ; for unaccommodating individu- 
als, who had been fortunate in having their wants 
provided for, out of sheer ill-nature were for refusing 
permission to others the use of the room as a sleeping 

14 



2IO III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

apartment, and at times were successful in their un- 
christian efforts. 

There certainly was a serious objection to having 
it occupied as an eating place, because the crumbs 
attracted an army of rats, which no legislation could 
bring under restraint. The nuisance became intol- 
erable, till a counter nuisance was introduced for their 
destruction. People of this day, when civilization has 
got the upper hand of these pests, can have no idea 
of the extent to which the rats propagated, nor of the 
boldness to which they attained. They would poke 
their noses up the cracks, and gnaw at the uncurried 
leather shoes of the members, till even the one speak- 
ing would sometimes have to lift one foot and then 
the other, as if he stood on hot iron. And they 
would rant and squeal at such a rate that it became 
necessary to raise the voice, at times, to be under- 
stood ; to say nothing of their occasional impudent 
attempts to stare the speaker himself out of counte- 
nance. 

And there is a story that one day as the clerk 
stepped on a tilting board of the floor, such a raven- 
ous crew of them sprang up that some members were 
so frightened as to jump upon the benches and hurl 
the inkhorns at them. And one of the presiding 
officers, who had a constitutional dread of such vermin, 
is represented to have many times sat with his legs 
folded like a tailor, or like the grand lama. The 
legislators of this day have good cause to render 
thanks that the day of rat supremacy has passed. 

And the rats attracted snakes. If there is any 
being on earth that rejoices in rat diet, above a Chi- 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS, 211 

nese, it is a snake. And those graceful reptiles 
pursued their foraging about the premises in such 
numbers as to create a good deal of alarm. 

But it was remarked that a counter-nuisance was 
introduced to destroy the rats. And that was a bevy 
of weasels. They made quick work with both rats 
and snakes. But they also made quick work about 
all the hen-roosts in the region round. And they in 
their turn lured to the neighborhood an uncounted 
number of those enterprising animals whose fragrant 
exudations have given them a name in the world — 
and not a very agreeable one either. Weasels and 
all disappeared on their advent ; but they burrowed 
in the vicinity, and for a long time occasionally 
reminded the members of their presence, in a way 
most natural to them though not most agreeable to 
those on whom their favors were bestowed. But 
these animals have a higher sense of honor than most 
of those named and do not appear to exercise their 
powers, offensive or defensive, in mere wantonness. 
Still, there appears to have been for some years a 
little grave-yard, back of the Colony House, where 
outer garments were buried, with wooden stakes 
denoting the proprietorship of the various deposits, 
so that confusion might be avoided at the time of 
resurrection. 

The experience of Ebenezer Kerley, a Represent- 
ative from one of the frontier settlements may be 
here given as illustrative of the inconveniences to 
which the early members were frequently subjected. 
He was in his day called the rhyming member, from 



212 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

his inveterate propensity to jerk out his crude ideas 
in cruder rhyme. 

And what was even worse than this rhyming mania, 
he fancied himself a wit — the wit of the House, 
There is usually one in the assembly of this stamp, 
who with greater propriety might be called the clown. 
He becomes the idol of the fools, the laughing-stock 
of the wise. 

True wit, as it sometimes bubbles up during a dull 
debate is irresistibly charming, giving a spring to the 
sluggish ideas, and enforcing attention. It imparts a 
refreshing flavor to the words of the public speaker 
as well as the conversationalist. But like the table 
condiment, it requires discretion in the using. True 
wits are always modest. But what is your professed, 
your conceited, your sham wit, your mere shyer of 
double-headed, brainless words, your wit of the House, 
as he commonly turns out .-' He is usually as deficient 
in good sense and good manners as a bear — playing 
upon words, and as likely as not poking poisoned fun 
at his best friends. He esteems a scurvy joke above 
the most useful achievement ; but is terribly chafed 
if the joke turns to his own discomforture. 

To his other conspicuous frailties Mr. Kerley added 
the defiling habits of a snuff-taker. But he manufac- 
tured his own nose-tickler, which consisted simply 
of the inside bark of the black birch, dried and pow- 
dered. And by the way, a beautifully aromatic as 
well as highly pungent preparation is thus provided — 
much to be preferred to any thing made of tobacco — 
and one that costs little or nothing. He took such 
quantities that the nasal passage was so obstructed 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 213- 

as to give many of his words such a club-footed pro- 
nunciation as to make them very awkward. For 
instance, once when a brisk debate was going on in 
the House touching the merits of different breeds 
of barn-yard fowls — for the hen fever prevailed in 
the Bay State at a very early period — some members 
advocating the claims of the blue legs, and some the 
yellow, he blurted out, at the top of his voice, after a 
mournful attempt to compass a purifying sneeze : 

" I habd a cock add hen, bodth of blue leg ; 
Bud neidther ebver laid add egg." 

The aptitude at rhyming possessed by Mr. Kerley, 
led him to fancy himself a poet, for even such a thing 
has been known as a person mistaking his rhymes 
for poetry. And this fancy, in its turn, led to the 
developing of other eccentricities ; for poets — espe- 
cially the counterfeit — seem to think it incumbent 
on them to exhibit some irrational proclivity. 

It is sufficient to say that Mr. Kerley, by his 
exceptionable habits and crooked disposition had 
rendered himself so far obnoxious to those who pro- 
vided board and lodging for the members, that none 
of them cared to entertain him, so long as plenty 
of others, more to their liking, presented themselves. 
He could procure his meals at the house of a shoe- 
maker's widow, down the south lane. But for a lodging 
place — what could he do ^ It was not a time when 
the legislative hall could be devoted to such a purpose. 
And lying out in the vast wilderness or boundless 
contiguity of shade would be likely to give him a cold, 
if he escaped other dangers. He therefore heroically 
resolved on erecting a lodging place for himself. At 



214 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

that period extemporised erections for such purposes 
were not uncommon. In this respect the beneficial 
example of the Indians was followed. And at that 
time a man's ability, influence or dignity was not 
measured by the size or costliness of the house he 
dwelt in. 

The weather was warm, and Mr. Kerley had no 
difficulty in selecting a site. It was a few paces 
above the high water line, not far from the foot of 
Fort Hill, and a short distance seaward from a retired 
cart-way leading to a little fishing station. The local- 
ity was romantic enough for any poet of moderate 
craving. A beautiful growth of evergreens adorned 
the sides of the hill, and on the summit were stately 
oaks and pines. The green islands and blue waters, 
the glittering sands bathed by the white-crested 
waves, and the wind-mills, swinging their giant arms 
in the breeze, were features of the picture presented 
to the admiring gaze of Mr. Kerley as he strode about 
the spot which had so met his favor. 

The question as to what material his erection 
should be composed of was not difficult of solution, 
in view of the abundance of green branches, drift- 
wood, seaweed, and sweet-smelling ferns every where 
at hand. Posts and rafters were soon in their places, 
and the interstices nicely filled with savory herbage. 
Applying himself with great industry during every 
moment that could be spared from his public duties, 
he was able, at the close of the fourth day of his archi- 
tectural labors, to pronounce his lodge fit for occu- 
pancy. The sun had then just sunk behind the hills, 
and a gorgeous twilight invested every thing with a 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 215 

dream-like beauty. The sea birds were retiring to 
tlieir nightly repose, screaming a wild good-night as 
they swept with curious eye over the new-made hut. 

A cool breeze came sweeping over the water which 
in the fading light assumed the hue of misty gray ; 
and Mr. Kerley, after sitting a while at the door, 
began to feel an inconvenient dampness, and drew up 
within. Reclining upon his savory bed, the basis 
of which was a sack of corn-husks mingled with 
sweet fern, and soothed by the gentle melody of the 
waves, he was soon lost in quiet slumber, from which 
in due time he merged into profound sleep. 

Now it happened that on the same evening a herd 
of cows which had been pasturing below, got belated, 
and on their way home came across the unique erec- 
tion. Cows are very inquisitive animals, as every 
farmer-boy knows. And these paraded themselves 
about the fabric, and stood for a few moments with 
their great glistening eyes intently fixed upon it, 
snuffing and sighing, and throwing about their tails 
as if to whisk off imaginary swarms of flies upon their 
quarters — sheer absentmindedness, as every fly had 
hours before ceased from troubling flesh and blood till 
the dawn of another day. But there stood the bovine 
herd. At length a bold one stepped nearer and with 
still lingering apprehension stretched out her nose in 
a horizontal line till it nearly touched the eaves, and 
then taking a hearty inspiration, perceived that the 
thing was good to eat ; or at least a portion of the 
material of which it was composed. The discovery 
was soon made known to the others. A brief pause 
took place, as if for silent consideration. But cows 



2l6 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS, 

have remarkably practical ideas of things. And these, 
being convinced that the matter could be digested by 
the stomach more satisfactorily than by the head, at 
once set about answering the demands of appetites 
which had become ravenous by their long walk and 
abstinence. 

In a very short time one of them had formed an 
aperture sufficient for the admission of her horned 
head, which she unceremoniously thrust in, directly 
over the bed of the sleeping legislator. And when 
she opened her astonished eyes on the interior, she 
from surprise, or fright, or perhaps out of pure mis- 
chief, gave a most unearthly bellow, and at the same 
time withdrew her head with such force as to bring 
down about half of the roof, precipitating a good share 
upon the very head of the sleeper. 

Mr. Kerley, as well he might be, was frightened 
almost out of his senses. He sprang to the door, 
yelling at the top of his voice. And it was quite 
edifying to observe with what complacency and mild 
curiosity the animals viewed his antics and their own 
mischief Not a hoof was raised for flight nor a tail 
in chagrin. With such stoical indifference did they 
contemplate affairs that Mr. Kerley, who of course 
at once perceived the cause of his alarm, had his ire 
kindled afresh, and assailed them with a flight of 
stones, at the same time wrathfully ejaculating: 

" You cursed, sneakindg clobven-feet, 
How cambe you my new houdse to eat." 

The one which had been most active in the mis- 
chief flapped her ears a little, as if in a sort of shoo 
fly defiance of the maledictions ; and most of the 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 21/ 

Others kept their heads swinging to right or left to 
avoid the flight of missiles. But as a rational man he 
could not avoid smiling at the comical occurrence 
and at his own perturbation, wisely arriving at the 
conclusion that as one who builds his house of glass 
is in danger of having it broken, so one who builds 
of grass is in danger of having it eaten. 

The offending animals disappeared and all was 
again still. For a while the persecuted man sat on a 
stone, considering whether it were not better to aban- 
don his new quarters, and if he could not obtain 
suitable lodging somewhere among the inhospitable 
people of Boston, to take the consequences of desert- 
ing his post of public duty and returning home to his 
farm. His apprehensive mind had, at that lone mid- 
night hour, begun to conjure up other and more 
terrible dangers than that which had already over- 
taken him. He recalled the story that he had once 
heard Arrow John relate of an enormous sea-serpent 
which in the time of his grandfather had appeared on 
the coast — so enormous and of such strength that he 
became a constant plague to the Great Spirit himself 
Sometimes in mere sport he would coil his tail around 
an island in Boston harbor and twitch it about like 
a mere bob. Indeed it was on a pleasant summer 
afternoon, while he was pursuing a pastime of this 
kind, and had got the islands dancing all about, that 
the Great Spirit suddenly came over the northern 
hills, and seeing the mischief that was going on, 
seized a boulder, larger than a wigwam, and before he 
was perceived, hurled it at the monster. It wounded 
him, though not fatally, and in alarm he rushed off to 
J 



21 8 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

return no more. But the veracious Indian added 
that one or two of his progeny had been seen timidly 
scouring the coast at different times since. 

Now, thought Mr. Kerley, if that old serpent which, 
without any doubt, is the devil, should happen this 
way to-night, and undertake his wicked gambols, 
what chance would I or my house stand. The thought 
was harrowing. But yet he was a man of sufficient 
good common sense to realize the absurdity of such 
fancies. And very soon, after partially repairing 
damages and rewarding his courage with divers gen- 
erous pinches of snuff, he again threw himself down 
on his bed, still perplexed, but not disheartened. He 
had lain there a few minutes only, eyeing a twinkling 
star, through his now mutilated roof, when drowsiness 
once more overtook him, and to that again succeeded 
sound sleep. 

It happened on the afternoon of that day that a 
teamster passed down the by-road on his way to the 
abode of an old fisherman whose daughter he was 
sparking ; and observing that seaweed had been lib- 
erally cast up by a recent high tide, collected a con- 
siderable heap, a little way on the upland, intending 
to take it on his wagon as he returned at night. He 
remained among the jolly fishermen, after leaving the 
house of his sweetheart, till it was late, and withal 
got a little boosy. Nevertheless, he did not forget 
his seaweed. 

The moon was just rising over the sea, her great 
fat, ruddy face, beaming good-naturedly on the quiet 
world, when he hove in sight of Mr. Kerley's lodge, 
which he had not observed on his way down. Mis- 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 219 

taking it for his stack, he drove near and dismounted 
for the purpose of loading. With all his might, he 
thrust in his pitchfork, and happening to strike be- 
tween two posts, the resistance was so slight and the 
impetus so great, that it flew from his hand and 
disappeared. His bewildered senses, now became 
more disordered still, under the apprehension that 
some diabolical witchery was falling upon him. But 
he had little opportunity for reflection as his remain- 
ing senses fairly took flight when he heard in the 
very bowels of his heap of seaweed, as he still sup- 
posed it to be, stifled shrieks and execrations. He 
was so overcome that he fell prone upon the earth. 

Poor Mr. Kerley was, of course, alarmed beyond 
measure when the murderous fork struck him, and as 
soon as possible tore his way into the open air. He 
continued his yells till the teamster recovered a few 
of his scattered faculties and set up counter yells. 
And then there was a yelling concert, with none to 
witness, but sober dobbin and the grinning moon. 
They bore their parts like defiant demons, neither 
drawing to close quarters. And the old horse's ears 
twitched to right and left, as if they felt knocks too 
hard to bear. But in the cool night air the passion- 
ate display began in time to abate. 

The moon was now up broad above the waters ; 
and her beams were gently rocked upon the swells. 
A furtive glance upon the serene picture had a won- 
derful effect on the poetic nerves of Mr. Kerley. He 
cast his eyes around, rather in curiosity than fear, 
and was not long in discovering in his tormentor, the 
person of Jake Loder, the teamster of the tavern. The 



220 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

two now met under truce. And not much time nor 
many pinches of snuff were consumed before an 
amicable understanding was arrived at. 

But Mr. Kerley had been seriously injured by the 
pitchfork. As he attempted to walk, in an agony 
of pain he cried out : 

" O, Jagob, Jagob ! my poor foodt, 
Is stabbed add jabbed add scored add cudt ! " 

They sat down on a sand heap and by the light 
of the moon examined the wounded member. It was 
grievously injured, and presently became so swollen 
that he could not walk. The cart was put in requisi- 
tion to transport him to the tavern, where, of course, 
his misfortune would gain him an entrance. 

He was kindly received, and every attention paid 
to the necessities of his case. The other members 
of the Court were unwearied in their endeavors for 
his relief and comfort. And the best surgeon of the 
town was in constant attendance. But tetanus super- 
vened, and nothing could save him. He bore his 
sufferings with exemplary resignation. And when the 
sympathetic doctor leaned over him, as he struggled 
in his last attempts at articulation, and motioned for 
a final smell of his adored snuff, only these disjointed 
words could be caught : 

" O, Jagob, Jagob ! . . . . h-a-r-d d-e-a-d-t-h ! 
.... ]-a-d-s-t r-h-y-m-e, 1-a-d-s-t b-r-e-a-d-t-h ! " 

And so died Mr. Kerley ; a victim to his legislative 
duties and the inhospitality of the people of Boston. 
No wonder that after such an occurrence the Court 
took occasion to see that suitable accommodations 
were provided for its members. 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS, 221 

Warm discussions were held in the Court on this 
question of board and lodging for the members. The 
whole subject was debated, and sundry definite pro- 
positions brought forward, from time to time, for the 
difficulties existed during quite a number of years. 

In November, .1654, the Court took the following 
action in the matter of victuals and drink : 

"Whereas it is judged most comly, convenient and 
conduceable to the dispatch of publicke service that 
the Deputyes of y^ Genii Court should dyett together, 
especially at dynner, it is therefore ordered, that the 
Deputyes of the Genii Court, the next ensuing yeare, 
viz', 1655, shall all be provided for at y'^ Shipp Tauerne, 
at Boston, in respect of dynner, and y' they shall all 
accordingly dyne together, and that Lieut. Phillips, 
the keeper of s'' taverne shalbe payd for y'^ same by 
the Treasurer for the tyme being, by discounting the 
same in the custome of wyne payable by the s'^ Lieut. 
Phillipps and that the Treasurer shalbe repayed by 
the several townes, according to the charges of their 
respective deputies, with their next country rate, and 
in the same kind of payment ; and it is further or- 
dered, for the prevention of vnsettlednes and other 
distractions for the future, that the Deputyes of the 
Genii Court shall yearly and every yeare, from tyme 
to tyme, before the dissolueing of the last session 
thereof, accordingly take some effectuall course in 
this case in such sort as to themselves shall seeme 
best, that the Deputyes of the next succeeding Court 
may not be occasioned to seeke theire own settlem' in 
this case, and so retard publick service ; and its 



222 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

further ordered that the Deputyes shall giue notice 
hereof to the Depute that shalbe chosen for the suc- 
ceeding yeare from time to time. This is past as an 
order respecting the Howse of Deputies. 

" Wm Torrey, Cleric." 

Immediately following the above, on the Court 
Records, is this : 

" An agreement made with Lieut. Phillips, by the 
Deputies now assembled in Gen^i Court, that the 
Deputies of the next Court of Election shall sitt in 
the new court chamber, and be dyeted w^^ breakfast, 
dynner, and supper, w*'^ wine and beere betweene 
meales, w* fire and beds, at the rate of three shillings 
per day, so many as take all their dyet as afores'^ at 
the 5"^ howse, but such as only dyne and not supp, to 
pay eyghteen pence for their dynners with wine and 
beere betwixt meales ; but by wine is intended a 
cupp each man at dynner and supper, and no more." 

And then is added : 

" Lieut. Phillips did accept of this, and agreed 
thereto, w^'^ this proviso, that only such as had all 
their dyet there should haue beere betweene meales, 
and also that vppon extraordinary occasion he might 
haue the vse of the great court chamber. 

" Subscribed by W^ Phillips." 

This contract, it will be observed, appears among 
the Court Records for November, 1654. Anterior 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 223 

to that, however, the Court had taken some measures 
to supply the needs of the hungry and thirsty mem- 
bers. On the 14th of May, 1645, James Penn was 
licensed to sell liquor under limitation as follows : 

" James Penn is licensed to draw wine for so long 
time as hee kepes inftainem* for y^ Co^'t in Boston, 
eith'' at y*" house W y^ Co''t now sits or W^ they shall 
sit hereaff." 

As elsewhere remarked, a license to " draw wine," 
was a general license to sell spirituous liquors — 
the term wine being used in a generic sense. And 
what would the good prohibitionists of our time say, 
if the General Court should now grant such a license. 
The provisions of the contract with the tavern keeper 
are simple and comprehensive and the clauses relating 
to strong drinks explicit. Those were not days of hot 
coffee and tea, of cool lemonade and arctic soda. 

It was very convenient for the members to have 
their tavern bills paid from the public treasury ; and 
there appears nothing to indicate that undue advan- 
tage was taken of the opportunities afforded to do a 
little dishonest plucking. A sample or two of the 
economy and faithfulness of the public officers, may 
properly be given here. From the vouchers filed 
away among the records in the custody of the clerk 
of the courts, at Salem, we take the following. They 
relate to charges for entertainment furnished certain 
dignitaries who paused for rest and refreshment at 
the tavern of Joseph Armitage, which was situated in 
what is now the town of Saugus, on the great road 



224 in. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

from Boston to the eastern settlements, and just 
about mid-way between the capital and Salem : 

" the gouerners Expences from the Coart of elec- 
tion, 1 65 1, till the end of October, 1651 : to bear & 
cacks [beer and cakes] 6d. ; bear and cacks to him- 
self and som other gentlemen, \s. 2d. ; bear and 
cacks with M"" Downing, \s. 6d. ; bear & a cack, 
6d. 3^. Sd." 

" to the sargents from the end of the Coart of elec- 
tion, 165 1, till the end of October, 165 1, bear & cacks, 
i^. 2d. ; for vittals, beear & logen, ^s. ; to Benjamin 
Scarlet, the gouerners man, 8d. ; bear & vitells, 2s. ; 
to the Sargents, is. gd. ; beear and cacks, is. ; to a 
man that Caried a leter to warne a Court about the 
duchman, is. 6d. ; to the Sargents, is. 2d. 14^-. T,d." 

" M"" Auditor, I pray you give a note to M*" Treas- 
urer, for the payment of lys. iid. according to these 
two bills of Joseph Armitage. Jo. Endecott. 

" Dated the 7^^ of the 1 1*^ mo. 165 1." 

And here is another, under the hand of Governor 
Bradstreet : 

" Due to goodman Armitage for beare & wyne att 
severall times as I came by in the space of aboute 3 
yeares, 4^. 2'^. May 15"', 1649. More for my man 
& horse, as hee returned home the last yeare when I 
was a Commissioner, hee being deteyned a sabboath 
day, 6s. 8d. Simon Bradstreete." 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 225 

Think of a Governor of this day, travelling in the 
state here indicated — even on foot, most of the time. 
The roads were stony and encumbered with stumps, 
so that carriages could hardly have been used had they 
been owned ; though some rode a little on horse-back. 
We of this boastful generation, might gain much by a 
calm retrospect of the honest simplicity of the times 
when such noble pioneers of civilization as Endicott 
and Bradstreet occupied our chair gubernatorial. 

No better place than this, it is likely, will be pre- 
sented for the introduction of a few facts connected 
with Mr. Armitage and his celebrated tavern. The 
most eminent personages were accustomed to partake 
of his hospitalities, and his name was known far and 
near. It does not appear that he was a member of 
the Court after the representation by deputies was 
established. Perhaps he got excused on account of 
his calling, which was deemed one of more than 
ordinary public importance. He came over at a very 
early period — among the first immigrants — and his 
tavern was one of the first opened. 

As a matter of historical interest we will give some 
account of "y^ young Spanyard," alluded to in the 
following Court order, which, according to Mr. Pinion, 
was passed on the 14th of June, 1642 : 

" In y® Gen''all Co''te itt was this day ordered, on 
mocon of y^ memb"" from Rocksberry, y' Goodman 
Armittage bee caled to giue account of y^ young 
Spanyard att his hows. And likewise take heed that 
his dafter Mary com nott soe m'=h in his companie." 
J* 15 



226 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

This legislative call was probably made under the 
apprehension that wherever a Spaniard was found 
mischief was brewing ; for the name might almost 
be said to have been at that time simply another for 
freebooter. It was a time when great havoc was 
made in the newly traversed American waters by the 
bucaneers. And though those desperate rovers were, 
to a great extent, English, French, and Portuguese, 
yet the Spaniards had to bear the chief odium. 

The richly laden galleons that bore the treasures 
of southern America, were prizes but too tempting 
to the old piratical adventurers. And piracy was not 
then viewed in the light that it now is, by the civilized 
world. The wicked old idea that he who is not of my 
country is my alien enemy, and it is a meritorious 
act in me to despoil and destroy him, to some extent 
at least lingered not only in the minds of the adven- 
turers themselves, but in the jurisprudence of the 
nations. And the bucaneers became invested with 
a sort of romantic drapery and pseudo-heroism. 

These freebooters were in sufficient numbers to 
form little armies, when they landed, as they some- 
times did, to attack even fortified settlements. And 
when on the sea, they hunted in such numbers, were 
so thoroughly drilled, and so well provided with arms 
and ammunition, and withal so desperately valorous — 
for if overcome there was no hope of quarter — that 
they were capable of striking terror into almost any 
force that could be sent to rid the seas of their pres- 
ence. There was, indeed, so little to be apprehended 
from the weak naval armaments of that time, that the 
pirates pursued their sanguinary occupation with but 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 22/ 

slight danger of capture and with almost complete 
certainty of securing a glut of gold. 

Upon the coast of New England the freebooters 
occasionally appeared and excited intense alarm. But 
it is hardly to be supposed that they came here for 
purposes of robbery, as the settlers, who, for the most 
part, literally lived by the sweat of the brow, had little 
to excite their cupidity. Now and then, it is true, a 
ship might have been fallen in with, but it would 
probably be found to contain nothing more than 
supplies for the most common wants of the colonists. 
The chief object of the pirates, when they appeared 
in our waters, it has been supposed, was for the 
purpose of depositing their ill-gotten treasures, by 
burying or otherwise, to be reclaimed as the future 
might determine. 

The following order, as well as any thing that could 
be presented, shows the state of alarm among the 
settlers. What Major Gibbons found the ship to be, 
does not appear. Other similar orders seem to have 
been passed about that period : 

" Itt is ordered, y' Maj"*" Edward Gibbons shall 
take order to send two shallops furnished w^'^ men, 
to goe, according to y^ Courts appointment, fo'' y^ 
discovery of what y^ shipp y* lyeth hovering about 
these coasts is, and whence, &c. ; the chardges to be 
defrayed out of y^ custome of wyne." [Court Records,. 
May 14, 1645. 

The bucaneers were as perfect outlaws as a dark 
age has ever produced. Human life to them seemed 



228 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

of no account. They trod the gory deck, and heard 
the groans of imploring and expiring innocence as 
void of any emotion of pity as the billows that bore 
them on. And they gazed upon the rifled ship as 
the devouring flames sped over her, or upon the 
smouldering ruins of the sacked town, with as much 
complacency as upon the distant smoking mountain 
top. 

Sometimes, when weary of the seas, these pirates 
would make secret lodgments for rest, in some seques- 
tered place in the woods and rocky wastes. For this 
purpose, in given cases, perhaps, the coast of New 
England was visited, for here they might remain in 
comparative safety. And it is a well attested fact 
that there were found among the colonists themselves, 
those who, for a consideration, were willing so far to 
make merchandize of their consciences as to supply 
their wants and warn them of approaching danger. 

And by the way, according to the History of Lynn, 
tradition locates a horde of these miscreants in a wild 
and lonely glen deep in the woods, within about a 
mile of the house of Mr. Armitage. And the reader 
has, very likely, heard of the romantic locality in Lynn 
woods, known as Dungeon Rock, or Pirates' Cave. 
It is there that — under alleged spiritual direction — 
men have been, for the last twenty years, laboriously 
digging, yea, blasting down in solid greenstone in 
search of hidden treasure deposited by the unholy 
hands of freebooters about the period to which our 
present remarks relate. The traditions connect the 
Pirates' Glen with the Dungeon Rock. And some 
will, without doubt, in their minds connect the young 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 229 

Spaniard of whom we are about to speak, with both, 
notwithstanding some discrepancy in dates, if the tra- 
ditions are to be reUed on as to exact time, and not- 
withstanding the stated cause of his being here, 

Tlie Httle tavern of Mr. Armitage had a ponderous 
sign swinging majestically from the gnarled old tree 
in front, proclaiming it to be the " Blew Ankor ; " 
which name was further verified by the representa- 
tion of an anchor in sky blue on a field of flaming 
red ; a display by which the ambitious colonial artist 
gave so much satisfaction that the landlord whenever 
he came that way made him welcome to an overflow- 
ing mug of his best. 

The fact of the young Spaniard being here was 
known to the Court soon after his arrival. Had any 
desire for concealment existed, it could not well have 
availed, so many of the members being accustomed 
to pause for refreshment and familiarly loiter about 
the hospitable precincts. Mr. Armitage was unable 
to give any account of him further than that he was 
courteous and well-behaved, and had plenty of money. 
And what more does a discreet landlord care to know 
concerning his guest .'' He had made no intima- 
tion as to the object of his coming, nor the proposed 
length of his stay ; neither had he stated whence he 
came or whither he was going. 

The jealous guardians of the public weal had, in an 
informal way, before passing the order, been consid- 
ering the matter, and perhaps felt some delicacy about 
interfering arbitrarily with the affairs of Mr. Armit- 
age who had such good opportunities to retaliate for 
what he micrht receive as insult. 



230 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

There is nothing on the records to show what 
response the order elicited. But it is very certain 
that there was no further pursuit by the Court. And 
we shall proceed to give a concise account of this 
young Spaniard whose brief career forms rather an 
interesting as well as romantic episode. It will per- 
haps be deemed somewhat trespassing on the rules 
of artistic composition to so introduce it ; but yet 
we shall venture. It might be given in the form of a 
note, to be sure, but notes are awkward things, and 
as they must, to have any virtue, be read at the point 
of reference, there seems no earthly reason why they 
should not in one way or another be incorporated with 
the text, instead of compelling the weary and some- 
times puzzled eye to wander back and forth. Occa- 
sionally notes are undeniably necessary. But they 
are too often such pets of authors that they become 
pests of readers. They, in short, as now most gener- 
ally employed, appear rather as objects of fashion 
than necessity of convenience. 

People naturally wondered, as time wore on, what 
could have brought this young man hither. He was 
evidently well educated and accustomed to refined 
society. His manners were genial, and it was quite 
apparent that his means were far from limited, though 
he made no ostentatious display. The pieces of gold 
which he put in circulation, often in the way of 
charity — for one of his chief employments seemed 
to be to search out the destitute and forlorn for the 
purpose of ministering to their necessities — were 
full enough, in some sordid minds, to subject him 
to suspicion. But his whole observable course was 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 23 1 

SO marked with undeviating rectitude, his kindlier 
sympathies were so alert, and his manners so attrac- 
tive, that he charmed almost every one with whom 
he came in contact. 

He spoke English indififerently, but yet had the 
faculty, as if by a sort of magnetism, of readily making 
himself understood. He was fond of music, and often 
sang the stirring songs of his native land — the lays 
of the troubadours and the canzonets of knight- 
errantry — to the little assemblages of young neigh- 
bors in the parlor at the Anchor ; always, however, 
on the condition that in return he should be favored 
with one of the quaint colonial ballads. Still, it was 
evident, from all his conduct, that there was a deep 
disturbing power in his mind. He seemed to have 
come in search of something that he was anxious yet 
dreaded to find. On many a moonlight evening he 
was abroad till near midnight. And benighted towns- 
men sometimes met him walking slowly along the 
lonely roads or upon the distant beaches. The sigh- 
ing of the forest and the murmuring of the sea, 
appeared to have a peculiar attraction for him. 

But the Court order, in connection with this young 
man, speaks of Mr. Armitage's daughter Mary. And 
what of her > The person alluded to was not a daugh- 
ter of the worthy yeoman, but a supposed orphan, 
whom he had adopted in early childhood, and whose 
parentage was entirely unknown. He had been very 
kind to her, and she had well repaid his kindness in 
every way that affection could suggest. She is repre- 
sented to have grown up into a really sweet creature ; 
lively, intelligent, and full of love for all the world ; 



232 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

her kind heart and genial manners making her a 
welcome visitor at every village fireside. But above 
all, her ready sympathy for those in affliction and 
instinctive discernment between the pains of body 
and mind, with her apt expedients for relief, so cor- 
dially proffered, drew around her the most endearing 
attachments. 

But with true maidenly spirit she resented that 
part of the Court order which warned Mr. Armitage 
against allowing her to come so much in the company 
of his guest. And were it not for the natural warmth 
of her sympathies, it might be concluded that the 
very prohibition itself, did a good deal to induce her 
to be the more sedulous in her endeavors to render 
his sojourn agreeable — so sensitive is the virtuous 
young mind touching even the remotest imputation 
upon its honor. But whatever may be our reasoning 
the young man at least seems to have had no cause 
to complain of the order. 

Many and many a stormy evening found the two 
seated in the cozy little parlor, before a blazing fire, 
engaged in some innocent game or interchanging 
agreeable reminiscences. But to her friends, Mary 
early declared her conviction that some great sorrow 
was preying upon him. 

Occasionally the young man would journey off to a 
distance, when the weather was propitious ; but was 
never communicative as to the object of his excursions. 
During one of his absences he fell in with Arrow 
John. And the two became such fast friends that the 
chief called to visit him at the tavern whenever he 
passed that way. The rude bar-room crew seemed 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 233 

at first disposed to banter and tease the lordly Indian. 
But they soon found that such experiments were likely 
to prove unprofitable to themselves ; for no sooner 
did he comprehend their purpose than one of them, 
a little monkey-faced tailor, found himself plunged 
over head and ears in the tub of blue dye that stood 
in the chimney corner. And as he came out, body 
and raiment all dripping with the deep blue liquid, 
he was saluted by an unctuous grunt and the ejacula- 
tion, " Ugh ! Nippy ! What for you plague Indian ! 
Indian make you dam sore ! Ugh ! Swear much ! " 

After that he was treated with all due deference. 
And the many generous and companionable qualities 
that he exhibited soon won for him the attachment of 
the grossest of them. He presently found no occasion 
to make Nippy or any other of them sore. And 
many a social pipe did he smoke in that dingy little 
tap-room, after the apparent object of his call had 
been accomplished. 

Anon Sunny Wave came with her sturdy father, by 
special invitation of Mary, who had seen her before. 
And she appeared decked out in all her forest finery, 
as if fully aware of the influence of first impressions. 
Her coy ways, natural brightness and amiability, soon 
secured for her an invariable welcome. With Mary 
she was immediately in unrestrained intimacy. And 
her companionship was sought by all the young folk 
of the neighborhood, she was always so ready for a 
romp in the fields, in the woods, or on the sea-shore. 
She seemed instinctively to discern the way through 
the most intricate forest maze, and did not appear to 
possess the slightest fear of any of the objects of 



234 m- THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

terror that beset the path of the wanderer amid 
nature's untamed scenes. If a rattlesnake crossed 
her path, she most likely, instead of screaming or 
attempting to avoid it, would give chase or tantalize 
it by shouts and gentle assaults. Indeed, during one 
of the first rambles she took with Mary, she horrified 
her companion by seizing the tail of a black snake, as 
it protruded from beneath a rock, gaily whisking out 
the bewildered reptile — who, had he stood upright on 
his tail, would have been taller than herself — and after 
giving him a few airy turns above her head, shooting 
him off among the bushes, laughing immoderately at 
the fright she occasioned. 

She likewise delighted in aquatic sports. And the 
picturesque grove-zoned pond that lay within a mile or 
two of the tavern, furnished a delightful field for the 
display of her accomplishments. A little party being 
once on the margin, a cluster of lilies was descried at 
some distance from the shore, and the young men 
were challenged by the girls to gather them. They 
sprang for the canoe ; but Sunny Wave dove right 
down from the rock on which they sat, and with 
perfect ease out-swam the boat. She gathered the 
lilies, diving deeply for the long stems, and as the 
boat approached, turned and threw them in. Then 
she coyly led them on a brisk chase over the water, 
till the opposite shore was gained ; when, turning 
upon them with a shout of triumph, she disappeared 
in the woods. Mr. Pinion seems to have been quite 
fascinated by her prowess. " She could sweme," says 
he, " like a very ducke ; and dryve a boate equall to 
anie man, woman, or fifisherman." 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 235 

She was, in short, highly proficient in all the 
accomplishments of forest life, and dexterous in all 
the maidenly sports. And she could form as beautiful 
ornaments from shells and feathers and autumn leaves, 
as any girl in the Colony, and weave as beautiful 
baskets from rushes and withes and bark as any 
of her tribe — could climb a tree with the agility 
of a young bear ; and if need be remain all night in 
the branches. But yet there was a delicacy and 
native grace and refinement in her manners, a gen- 
tleness in her disposition and purity in her concep- 
tions, that appeared in marked contrast with the 
savage scenes in which she had been nurtured. 

She was a genuine child of nature ; and loved to 
worship in the great temple not made with hands ; 
would sit for hours by the placid lake, watching the 
gentle ripples, or upon the beetling cliff by the ocean 
shore, watching the wildly mounting surges as the 
bellowing storm swept by ; upon the mossy rock in 
the shadowy woods, a solitary devotee, in the quietude 
of the summer twilight or the awful gloom of the 
thunder-gust — never seeming to entertain an idea 
of personal peril. And the discerning Mr. Eliot often 
spoke of the strong religious element of her character ; 
which, however, he found it very difficult to mould 
into puritanical form. 

The Spanish youth at the house of Mr. Armitage, 
seemed to derive much gratification and real comfort 
from the visits of Arrow John and his daughter ; and 
never appeared to tire in his inquiries about their 
people and modes of life. And the chief was intel- 
ligent enough to give much curious and reliable 



236 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

information ; though the marvelous stories that he 
sometimes soberly interwove, on the authority of 
his grandfather — like that about the sea-serpent's 
coiling his tail around the islands in Boston harbor, 
and sportively twitching them about — were naturally 
received as rather significant of his credulity than 
his discernment. They became warm friends. And 
it was surmised that some of the young man's later 
absences were occupied in excursions to their forest 
home. Gossips even dared to darkly insinuate that 
a sort of flirtation had commenced between him and 
Sunny Wave,- 

Thus things passed on till later autumn. And now 
the stranger seemed to have found what he had so 
long sought ; and a deeper gloom settled over his 
spirits. He was at about this time prostrated by a 
severe febrile attack. The good people at the Anchor 
were sedulous in their endeavors to supply his wants 
and relieve his pains. And, as the godly minister 
more than once declared, it was delightful to behold 
his patient endurance. And had he not held, as a 
most sacred treasure, a little golden crucifix, which 
he was accustomed to gaze upon with tearful eyes and 
sometimes fervently kiss, the worthy man might even 
have believed his heart was truly sanctified. The 
gentle Mary was never weary in her kind offices, 
and had he been an only brother, could not have 
done more. 

Arrow John came as often as he could, and always 
brought some present of savory game, or some unctu- 
ous concoction of his Indian doctor ; and if desired 
would sit an hour or two relating the wonderful things 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 23/ 

which had happened in the time of that grandfather 
of his who seemed to be rather an ambiguous person- 
age who flourished at a period indefinitely remote. 

Sunny Wave usually came with her father, and 
often alone, and always brought some simple offering ; 
a bunch of forest flowers, if any were to be found ; or 
a basket of nuts of her own gathering ; or perhaps 
some aromatic root or herb, reputed useful for the 
sick. 

As the youth became relieved from the fiercer 
intervals of disease, Mary would sit and read to him ; 
and when he became weary of that thought-demanding 
recreation, would endeavor to amuse him by her sto- 
ries of colonial life ; leaving it for her father, as she 
affectionately called Mr. Armitage, to retail what 
might be interesting of the bar-room gossip. It was 
her quiet hand that made every thing in the sick room 
so neat and comfortable ; that prepared the medicine 
and smoothed the pillow ; that so carefully excluded 
the fumes and uncouth noises that ascended from 
the bar-room ; that raised the window on a pleasant 
day, to admit the invigorating air. She performed, in 
short, with skillful hand, the many little acts so sooth- 
ing to the sick, so comforting to the troubled mind. 

It was now Christmas-tide. And the young man, 
who had for some time given evidence of convales- 
cence, seemed fast attaining his former health. At 
his request, Mary, by the efficient aid of Sunny Wave, 
had neatly decorated the room with glossy hemlock 
boughs and curling evergreen ; and notwithstanding 
the warm opposition of the pious neighbors and of the 
grieved village minister, had with her own hand made 



238 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

a noble Christmas-pie, which then appeared in its 
fair proportions smiling upon the table. 

It was a tempestuous evening, and the three were 
gathered about the blazing hearth, for the Indian girl 
had been persuaded to remain till morning, her father 
having given his consent, as he left, about night-fall. 
The youth's feelings were more than ordinarily soft- 
ened and sad, and he seemed but little inclined to 
converse. As the evening wore away, however, he 
began to make an effort to acquit himself as common 
politeness demanded. Presently he startled Mary by 
declaring that he did not expect or hope to survive 
long, though the fitful light of convalescence might 
lead those about him to believe that he would again 
be restored to full health and vigor. He earnestly 
besought her to continue her kind offices till his last 
hour and remember after he was gone that the anguish 
of his heart had been much relieved by her attention 
and sympathy. She was greatly moved by his unex- 
pected utterances, and could not restrain her tears. 
And Sunny Wave, though she could not comprehend 
much that was said, and many of the allusions, any 
more than she could understand the significance of 
the decorations she had assisted in, was yet touched 
in her tenderest sympathies. He made every effort 
to soothe their agitated feelings, and when he had 
partially succeeded, proposed in return for their good 
offices, as well as to relieve his own burdened mind, 
to explain the occasion of his sojourn in the place. 

He began by referring to his earlier life ; stating 
that he was a native of Seville, his father having 
been a civil officer of distinction, and proprietor of 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 239 

large estates ; that he was the youngest of the family, 
having had one brother and one sister, twins, a few 
years older than himself. His sister was frequently 
at the court, and by her accomplishments and personal 
charms attracted the tender regard of more than one 
young noble who bore titles superior to her father's. 
Among them was a proud officer in the military 
service, who became extremely importunate in press- 
ing his suit for her hand. But she felt that she could 
never entertain for him that affection which a husband 
has a right to require, and sought by every means to 
avoid his company. Her father and twin brother 
both approved her course, knowing him to have been 
low-bred and unworthy, though by some means he 
had succeeded in gaining favor with royalty. But 
the more steadily his advances were rejected, the 
more pertinaciously did he proffer them ; acting, per- 
haps, on the irrational presumption that repugnance 
can be certainly overcome by association ; a presump- 
tion that has proved fatal to happiness in many and 
many an instance, in affairs of the heart. 

Unfortunately, at this juncture their father died. 
On his death-bed he charged the elder brother to 
watch over and protect his twin sister, and in no 
event to permit the hateful union. And in the most 
solemn terms that dutiful son promised that if his 
own life were spared, the dreaded sacrifice never 
should be made. 

The elder brother now succeeded to the titles and 
estates, and by his urbanity, impartiality and gen- 
erosity, secured the good-will of all about him. In a 
few months after the last honors had been paid to the 



240 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

departed, however, the odious officer again appeared 
in suit for the sister's hand. Again he was rejected — 
more sternly than before. And now he became highly- 
indignant, vowing revenge. Immediately, through 
his favor with the king, aided by false representations 
as to the loyalty of the new head of the house, and 
fraudulent records, he actually obtained a decree 
bestowing on him the titles and possessions of the 
deceased Don. He then proposed to the brother to 
relinquish all claim to the possessions in the event 
of his obtaining the sister's hand. But his proffer 
was rejected with scorn. It was not even mentioned 
to the sister, for the brother well knew that she would 
urge the sacrifice rather than see him beggared. The 
three proceeded to Barcelona, to seek the counsel 
of an aged relative who dwelt there. They were 
cordially received, and every exertion made to coun- 
teract the wily efforts of their persecutor. He grew 
more and more incensed at the contempt with which 
he was treated, and having by some new success in 
his office raised himself still higher in the eyes of his 
royal master, made a desperate move, which resulted 
in obtaining from the king a mandate, in the form 
of a " Request," that his union with the sister should 
no longer be opposed by the family. Thus armed, 
he appeared in Barcelona, and his presence, under 
such circumstances, as might well be supposed, sent 
a grievous pang to more than one heart. 

But to the surprise of all, the elder brother and the 
sister, in a few days seemed to emerge from under 
the cloud and become quite calm ; at tim.es, cheerful. 
The officer now became a frequent visitor at their 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 24 1 

place of abode — indeed an apparently accepted suitor. 
There was a great mystery in this, to the younger 
brother, a mystery at times painfully ominous, and 
he did not, as he remarked, know whether to rejoice 
or lament. 

The titles and estates were all relinquished by the 
now happy aspirant, and irrevocably confirmed. And 
his joy expressed itself otherwise in lavish expenditure 
and sedulous attention. But to the younger brother, 
as he again and again observed, there seemed some- 
thing fearfully portentous — something like the weird 
calm that precedes the dashing tempest. His brother 
and sister were more than ever by themselves in the 
retired rooms of the castle and the garden nooks, and 
frequently spent hours in low and earnest discourse. 
It appeared as if one great lethean wave were over- 
whelming the sorrows of the past. Their bearing 
towards him was affectionate in the extreme, and their 
tenderness increased, day by day. Thus time passed. 

The nuptial day was appointed, and the ceremony 
was to take place in Seville. On the eventful day 
the train proceeded to the majestic old medieval 
church. They entered to the sound of music, and 
flowers were lavishly scattered in the path of the 
bride. The aged prelate, in gorgeous vestments, 
stood ready to perform his office. When the moment 
arrived for presenting the bride, the brother and sister, 
who had not ceased to be almost in each other's arms, 
slowly, but with unfaltering step, approached the su- 
perbly draped chancel. 

At this juncture, however, as if for the purpose 
of rearranging some article of dress, the brother asked 
K 16 



242 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

of the groom permission to step with his sister, for a 
moment, into a neighboring alcove. They passed 
within the glittering drapery, beckoning the younger 
brother to follow. He entered, and found his sister 
tenderly encircled in her brother's arms. Her gem- 
med head rested on his shoulder, and the light was 
streaming through the manifold tinted gothic window, 
illuminating the sacred devices, and falling with almost 
supernatural radiance upon her now drooping form. 

At this point of his narration the young man be- 
came greatly agitated, but falteringly added that his 
brother bade him approach and kiss the upturned 
brow of his sister. He did so, and she returned his 
caress with a warmth which he declared the two long 
winters had not chilled. 

With struggling voice he added, that then a mo- 
ment of portentous silence followed, and an unuttera- 
ble, undefinable apprehension began to oppress him. 
. . . Scarcely had his sister and himself exchanged 
that fervid kiss, she still remaining in the brother's 
arms, when her whole frame began to quiver. Then, 
with the speed of a lightning flash, a strange flush 
rushed over her countenance, her eyes closed, and 
her limbs began to falter. . . . 

The next moment she was dead. 

The brother laid her down, and then, in terrible 
mockery, called the groom to behold his bride. And 
he proclaimed his readiness to yield his own life on 
the instant. Pointing to the sword borne by a page 
of the groom, and to his own breast, he mutely invited 
the use of the weapon. But the other only motioned 
him away, too much horrified for any further act. 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 243 

The brother then declared that he would leave his 
desolated home forever, and not remain to meet his 
fate upon the block, a spectacle for some barbarous, 
mocking multitude. 

" He flew to me," added the now sobbing young 
man, in his imperfect English, " and hastily placed in 
my hands a few valuable papers and trinkets ; among 
the first, the muniments of title, evidencing that he, 
together with my sister, had some days before exe- 
cuted all the writings necessary to make me sole 
possessor of the estates of our house. And without 
uttering another word he disappeared. Taking one 
trusty servant, in an hour he had passed the city 
gates. And I never saw him again. After many 
months of unwearied search through Europe, I ascer- 
tained, on my return to Cadiz, that he had taken 
passage for America. By the first vessel bound 
hither I followed, and in a week or two after my 
arrival was fortunate enough to discover the lodging 
place of the servant who had attended him. From 
this faithful adherent I learned the particulars of his 
death, which occurred suddenly, in this vicinity, as 
he was journeying eastward. I felt no pang on learn- 
ing of his decease, for he was weary of life, and were 
better at rest. 

" I immediately came hither, for I desired to look 
upon his grave before being laid in my own. By 
diligent inquiry I have found it, in a pleasant spot, 
beneath the branches of an oak in the village burial- 
place. Your father, Sunny Wave, first led me there. 
And there must they soon lay my own remains, for 
my time is very short. And the thought of thus lying 



244 I"- THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

down ill that quiet spot is far more grateful to me 
than the thought of being borne in pomp to our 
ancestral vault in the old cathedral crypt. Though 
by our faith this is not consecrated ground, it yet is 
of our common Master's heritage. There the sighing 
breeze, the bird, and insect choir will be enough for 
requiem and mass." 

So the narration ended. The young man then sat 
in silence, excepting an occasional sob, and with 
averted face. Mary had become greatly depressed. 
But not so with Sunny Wave. She was all aglow 
with indignation. Her dark eyes blazed with un- 
wonted lustre, and her little foot rose and fell with 
vengeful emphasis. All the savage of her nature 
seemed asserting itself " My fadher," she exclaimed, 
" I go tell um ! He find um ! He kill um ! He say. 
Swear high, swear very high. I go now, find um." 
And it was quite as much as the others could do to 
prevent her rushing right off in the storm to persuade 
her father forthwith to depart on his retributive mis- 
sion to avenge the wrongs done by the Spanish officer. 
They however finally succeeded in making her under- 
stand something of the impossibilities in the way of 
his executing such a piece of knight-errantry. And by 
degrees her excitement abated under the comforting 
suggestion that the Great Spirit would keep an eye oix 
him and see that he did not escape punishment. 

The foregoing fragment of personal history is ro- 
mantic and strange and tragical enough. But many 
truths partake of such qualities. In this utilitarian 
age, and among a people so little inclined as we to 
recognize safety or justice in impulsive chivalric action. 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 245 

it may appear quite incomprehensible. But it should 
be borne in mind that the occurrences as narrated 
took place at a period when the conceptions of men 
were essentially different, when such events were 
far from being anomalous. At this day, an occurrence 
of the kind would send a startling thrill through all 
the civilized world. But in that age of chivalry, and 
in the sunny land of the olive and the vine, where 
the stirring songs of the troubadours and the brilliant 
achievements of knight-errantry, had, centuries before, 
begun to exercise a marked influence and strongly 
fix in the youthful mind such refined ideas of honor 
and gallantry, they were rather matters of course. 

But by what means was the willing death of that 
fair maid of Seville so speedily, so quietly accom- 
plished ? Some years before, there had been discov- 
ered, in France, a wonderful chemical compound. It 
was a clear, tasteless liquid, two or three drops of 
which possessed the terrific power of destroying life 
almost instantly. It was put up in small, elegantly 
cut and gilded vials, and privately disposed of at such 
enormous prices that the shocking instances of its 
use were far from frequent. 

A severe north-east storm was now raging about 
the Anchor. The wind bellowed in the great chim- 
ney throat, and raved and squealed at every chink. 
Dry branches from the giant tree that threw its 
patriarchal limbs over the trembling fabric, were now 
and then dashed against the roof with thundering 
violence. The timbers shivered and the loose board 
sheething rattled and creaked as if more than ordinary 
mischief were determined on by the enraged elements. 



246 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

And the few crisp leaves that had held to their native 
stems till now, whirled against the closed shutters 
and seemed whispering for entrance into some calmer 
quarters. 

But the cheerful fire in the chamber of the sick 
still burned brightly, illuminating with a ruddy glow 
the gaily colored plaster portraits which Mary was 
accustomed to call those of her grand-parents, that 
hung above the mantel, the gentle dame in her prim 
cap, seeming to look approvingly across upon the 
broad sampler which Mary's hand had wrought, and 
which adorned the opposite wall. Then there were 
the Christmas wreaths ; but upon those unpuritanical 
decorations the loving eyes did not seem to rest with 
the same approval. The braided carpet was soft and 
warm, and the simple hangings about the bed were 
as clean and smooth as neat and skillful hand could 
make them. 

It was soon apparent that the recital had greatly 
relieved the mind of the young man. Mary had 
become quite calm, and Sunny Wave's excitement 
was all over. They continued in cheerful conversa- 
tion for some time, and then partook of their simple 
treat, the Christmas-pie being an object of great mys- 
tery to Sunny Wave, but by no means afironting to 
her appetite. 

It was late when Mary arose to finish her duties in 
the sick chamber, for the night — to warm the pillows 
and arrange the medicines and drinks. Then she 
and her dusky friend retired to her own neat little 
chamber, for the repose which their tense feelings 
so much required. But Sunny Wave could never 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 247 

rest on a sack of "goose wool," as she called a feather- 
bed. A blanket, spread upon the floor, near an open 
window, even during a storm, was much more in 
accordance with her ideas of comfort. 

Winter wore away. The edifying assemblages in 
the bar-room had become less fully attended, as the 
evenings grew shorter. Spring arrived. The melted 
snows rushed down in rivulets from the hills. The 
icy fetters of the ponds were dissolved. Vegeta- 
tion began to put forth with renewed life. And the 
meadows and woods were again jocund with the 
voices of the aquatic and the winged minstrels. The 
huge banking of seaweed was removed from the un- 
derpinning of the Anchor ; the heavy shutters were 
taken down from the casements ; and, trained by 
the gentle hand of Mary, the woodbine began to 
climb toward the old niche from which it had been 
accustomed, year after year, to peep in at the window 
and watch over her slumbers during the moonlight 
watches. The busy seed-time came, and then the 
bar-room meetings were altogether suspended, for the 
long days of toil led the laborers early to seek their 
needed repose. 

The Spanish youth found his health so far restored 
that he experienced little inconvenience from being 
abroad. He formed acquaintances among the vil- 
lagers, and often went on long rambles with them, 
which he appeared to highly enjoy. And he soon 
became something of a sportsman. With gun and 
fishing rod he often sallied forth as early after the 
sun had risen as prudence would allow, and returned 
with ample evidence of his skill and good luck. And 



248 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

not unfrequently were the members of the Court, as 
they paused for a meal at the Anchor, indebted to his 
prowess for their most savory dish. No wonder that 
all unhealthy suspicions of him presently began to 
fade from their minds. From his dusky friend Arrow 
John, he received many useful lessons in hunting, the 
two sometimes scouring the woods together on long 
and fatiguing ranges. 

But even the balmy weather and liberal exercise 
out of doors were not sufficient to fully establish his 
health ; though it appears highly probable that had 
his mind been at ease his health would have become 
restored. But be that as it may. After an occasion 
of unusual exposure, he was again thrown upon a 
fever-heated bed. And with calm confidence he anti- 
cipated a speedy release from a life that had few 
charms for him. Mary quietly resumed her duties in 
the sick chamber ; and not only were the family at 
the Anchor, but the villagers, far and near, sincerely 
affected by the evident prospect of the early death 
of one who had by so many generous acts endeared 
himself to all, and whose sad history, which by this 
time had become generally known, had raised up for 
him the sympathy of every feeling heart. 

. . . . Upon the afternoon of a fair summer 
day, as the tall relics of the ancient forest that still 
stood proudly around the settlement, whispering to 
each other about their memories of by-gone years, 
threw their cool shadows upon the broad highway, a 
long funeral procession moved slowly along from the 
"BlewAnkor" to the burying-place. Divers digni- 
fied members of the Court were there ; the villagers 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 249 

from all quarters were there ; and even the children 
from the little school-house in the hollow helped to 
swell the train. But foremost among the mourners 
were the inmates of the inn. Every countenance 
bore the impress of sorrow unfeigned ; but none 
seemed more grievously afflicted than the weeping 
Mary. 

It was the funeral of the young Spaniard. 

They laid him down by the side of his beloved 
brother. And perhaps at some future time, as the 
grave-digger overturns the sod to make room for some 
other dust that must be committed to dust — for the 
spot so early consecrated has ever remained devoted 
to the sacred purposes of burial — he will exhume a 
little golden crucifix, for the one which the youth 
bore so constantly about his person, and was accus- 
tomed to kiss so fervently when his spirits were most 
depressed, and which was placed in his hand by his 
sister at the terrible moment of her sacrifice, was 
laid upon his bosom, by the gentle hand of Mary, 
as they fastened down the coffin lid ; but she con- 
cealed it among the white lilies, for she would not 
offend the godly ones present, who might have deemed 
the act a superstitious or defiant innovation of puri- 
tanical custom. 

The sods upon the grave of the young Spaniard 
had hardly begun to knit their verdure when another 
sorrowful event transpired at the Anchor. On the 
afternoon of a balmy day, Mary was quietly and sadly 
putting in order the room so lately occupied by the 
departed, and arranging his effects for delivery over 

K* 



250 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

to the custodian appointed by the Court, now and 
then heaving a sigh as one thing and another brought 
up touching recollections. 

While thus employed, with startling suddenness 
she began to reel as if from an intense vertigo, and 
was scarcely able to reach the bed, upon which she 
fell. And when from her long absence, her alarmed 
friends hastened to the room, there she lay, the balmy 
air and the sunlight struggling through the foliage 
that curtained the window, and falling blandly upon 
the blanched cheek, as if endeavoring to call back the 
flush of life. But vain were the endeavors of air, and 
sunlight, and sorrowing friends. The gentle spirit 
had forever fled. 

The cause of the sudden death of Mary remained 
for a long time a profound mystery to the wise village 
doctor as well as others. Some thought she had been 
bitten or stung by a horribly venomous reptile or 
insect ; but no mark was found. And others sug- 
gested still more improbable means. But they did 
not know, neither did the poor girl herself know, that 
the little gilded vial which she found in the dressing 
case of the young Spaniard, was the same that con- 
tained the deadly fluid that destroyed the life of the 
Sevilleian maid. It still contained enough to destroy 
many lives. Impelled by the curiosity of her sex, 
she had, before rinsing, taken a fatal taste, it being 
entirely scentless. 

There was another sad day at the Anchor — the 
funeral day of the beloved Mary. The yard had been 
cleanly raked, the walls of the bar-room white-washed, 
the glasses and newly scrubbed furniture arranged in 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 25 I 

the neatest order, the floor freshly sanded, and the 
hearth made clean and tidy with its green boughs. 
The little parlor, too, was in as perfect order as if 
Mary's own hand had been active there. Upon the 
side-board a vase of fresh flowers were blooming, and 
ever-greens adorned the fire-place. In the centre 
of the room stood the table on which the gentle girl 
had so often spread the traveler's repast ; and upon it 
rested the coffin in which her cold remains reposed. 
Sweet flowers, gathered from those she had delighted 
to cherish, lay on her bosom, and her pale counte- 
nance was so natural, excepting in its paleness, that 
one might have thought she slept. 

As the solemn hour for the last rites approached, 
the bar-room was closed, and no rough lounger ap- 
peared within the hallowed precincts. Soon the house 
could not contain the half of those who came to pay 
the last affecting tribute. The plants she had nur- 
tured in the garden were trampled down by the 
multitude in their eagerness to draw near the sacred 
remains. And the sighs of the village maidens, as 
they gathered around the coffin to take a last look 
upon its beloved occupant, attested their acute sense 
of bereavement. 

The coffin-lid was fastened down forever. And 
then the stalwart youth raised the bier upon their 
shoulders, and the mourning train commenced their 
slow march to the place of burial. 

Never since that day has there a funeral procession 
passed along those streets, in which were more sincere 
mourners, youthful hearts that more keenly felt the 
pangs of severed friendship, thoughtful hearts that 



252 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

more deeply realized the grievousness of death's 
unheralded descent. And never since that day, has 
there passed along those streets a train following to 
its last resting place a form from which a brighter 
or gentler spirit had fled. 

Far in the rear of the procession, with stately step, 
strode Arrow John, smoking his curious pipe with an 
energy that betokened comfort at every whiff. He 
had by some means heard of the death of his friend, 
the Spanish youth, and hastened to the settlement, 
over many leagues of forest, for he happened to be 
visiting the chief of a distant tribe, and arrived only 
in time to witness the burial of Mary. 

By the hand he led the weary-footed Sunny Wave, 
she, poor soul, sobbing as if her heart would break. 
" Don't ky, don't ky, little squaw," he repeated, in his 
broken English, his own voice betraying but ill-sup- 
pressed emotion : " don't ky. They all gone to home 
of Great Spirit. There we all go soon. No swear, 
no swear, no ky, no ky, there." 

And now we will return more directly into the 
company of the members of the Court. It has been 
seen what provisions they made for their own enter- 
tainment at the Ship Tavern. And let us just take 
a look into the dingy though capacious eating room 
of that favored establishment while they are assembled ' 
at their meal after the close of the labors of the day. 

I am unable to state exactly where the old Ship 
Tavern stood. Some have pointed out a location 
at the north end of the city which I do not think can 
be the true one. And I am inclined to believe that it 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 253 

was situated somewhere within a stone's-throw of 
the site of Brattle street church, the arm throwing 
the stone being a pretty strong one and the stone 
itself conveniently small. It stood in a narrow, crook- 
ed lane, was two stories high in front, sloped down to 
one in the rear, and had one or two enormous old 
forest trees standing about it like ancient, weather- 
beaten sentinels. It was a frame building, with huge 
oak timbers, and the boarding horizontal and over- 
lapping. The weather had warped some of the boards^ 
so that gaping seams were every where visible. In 
summer, this enabled the inmates to have an agreea- 
ble circulation of air, but in winter involved the 
necessity of making some demonstration against the 
chilling blasts that scornfully whistled around. And 
the provident landlord met the necessity by punching 
seaweed into the crevices. 

An enormous stone chimney went up through the 
centre of the house, capacious enough for the ascent 
of a moderate sized balloon. The largest room was 
that which comprised the whole rear of the house^ 
wherein the cooking and other kitchen operations 
were carried on. Some two feet of green wood were 
usually hissing and sputtering in the huge fire-place,, 
and the sportive smoke, before proceeding upward 
and out through the great chimney throat, would 
often take a merry whirl about the room, reddening 
the eyes of the occupants and causing tears to flow 
at its pungent jokes. 

In this room the great dining table was spread 
when the members assembled for their meals. And 
occasionally, upon a tempestuous night, it was cleared 



254 III- THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

for a game of blind-man's-buff, the grave legislators 
entering into the sport with perfect looseness, hopping 
around with the alacrity of young kangaroos. The 
great scar that disfigured the visage of Governor 
Dudley, and which the reader may have noticed as 
delineated on that celebrated portrait of him, is said 
to have been caused by a wound he received on an 
occasion of this kind, by striking his head, while 
blinded, against the projecting end of the great walnut 
crane. 

This useful apartment was likewise sometimes the 
scene of a rollicking dance. But I cannot say that 
any Court members engaged in such diversion, as 
they could not, and be consistent, while making laws 
prohibiting it. Of course they would not, under such 
a moral pressure, frisk about in the dance, any more 
than the zealous temperance prohibitionists of our day 
would, immediately on adjournment, retire to a stall, 
pull down the curtain, and sip their toddy. Out upon 
the pestilent slanderer who dares to charge a Massa- 
chusetts legislator with inconsistency. 

There was another interesting entertainment in 
which the worthy legislators of old sometimes en- 
gaged, to wile away a long, dull evening ; and that 
was the calling together of perhaps half a dozen of 
the wildest Indians in the neighborhood, warming 
them up a little with the bewitching " fire water," and 
then watching their antics. It was a study ; and the 
proper study of mankind, I suppose, if Pope is right. 
They would hop, yell, whoop, and go through with 
the whole round of their infernal gesticulations, to 
the undisguised delight, if not edification of the mem- 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 255 

bers, whose industrious minds, perplexed by the great 
affairs of state, needed relaxation. Once in a while 
the performance of the savages would end in a serious 
quarrel, illustrated by punched heads and barked 
shins. 

It is really astonishing that our good fathers did 
not more fully realize the evils arising from supplying 
the Indians with strong drink. They could not have 
been expected to have a conception of its proper use — 
in medicine or the arts, for instance. Their conclu- 
sion, of course, was that it was made to get drunk on. 
And so, as sure as they could get it, they put it to 
what they supposed its proper use. The following 
shows the kindly disposition of the Court towards 
their erring brethren of the red skin. It need not, 
perhaps, be reiterated that the term " wine," included 
spirituous liquors generally : 

" The Court, apprehending y' it is not fit to deprive 
y^ Indians of any lawfull comfort w"^"^ God aloweth to 
all men by y*^ use of wine, do ord"" y' it shalbe lawfull 
for all such as are or shalbe alowed licence to retaile 
wines, to sell also to y^ Indians so much as may be 
fit for their needfull use or refreshing." [Court Re- 
cords, Nov. 13, 1644. 

Why this house of entertainment was called the 
Ship Tavern, I do not know, as it does not appear to 
have been in any special manner a resort of mariners. 
But there was on one side of the front yard the hull 
of an old cutter, divested of the interior works, turned 
bottom up, and so arranged as to furnish rather com- 



256 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

fortable quarters for pigs and poultry. Divers bur- 
rowing holes were also perceptible about the less 
exposed parts, which were made by certain foraging 
animals to whom poultry yards had special attractions, 
but who preferred not to be seen about the premises. 
There was also a somewhat obtrusive sign swinging 
in front, and flaunting before the eye of the traveler 
a blue and white four-masted ship, bounding over 
billows of orange and green. And perhaps these 
were enough to make good the declaration that it 
was the " Shipp Taverne." 

But it is high time to draw near the promised 
entertainment. It is a brusk November evening ; 
such a one as is always enjoyable within doors rather 
than without. It is early, but the tallow-dips are all 
a-light, for darkness came rapidly on, as the thick 
gray clouds rolled up from the north, when the sun 
went down. The yard, too, is, as usual of a moonless 
night, glowing with the spectral light of numerous 
pine-knots ; the only available means, at that day, for 
out-door illumination. 

A cheerful fire is crackling. The oven doors are 
open, as the sweltering dishes have been removed. 
The boiling pots have come down from the trammels. 
And the maids, with their mistress, are busily engaged 
in placing the substantial viands upon the table. 

The company are all assembled — for though it was 
not uncommon for members to be subjected to fines 
for tardiness at Court, there seems to have been no 
occasion to call any one to account for tardiness in 
his duties at the tavern table. 

There is the sprightly Secretary Rawson, now on 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 25/ 

one side of the table and anon on the other, skipping 
about and peering into every thing, as if he considered 
himself responsible for good order and proper service ; 
smelling of this dish, then of that ; casting in a little 
salt here and a little powdered herb there ; stirring up 
the contents of one platter with the great horn spoon, 
and turning over the contents of another with the 
huge cauldron-fork which the ingenious blacksmith 
had manufactured from a broken pitchfork ; smelling 
of the beer in this tankard and sipping of something 
a little stronger in that. His ruddy and smiling 
countenance bespeaks high satisfaction within, though 
he starts and shrugs his shoulders occasionally, as a 
sharp pain catches him about the neck. Poor man, 
it was only a few evenings before that as most of the 
same company were assembled in that same room, 
after supper, sportively engaged in physical feats, he 
was led to believe, by the jocose Concord member, 
that it is possible for an individual, by a sudden jerk, 
to so far twist his neck as to look entirely across his 
back, and was challenged to attempt the exploit. He 
made a violent effort, and came near breaking his 
neck by the means. How he came to listen to the 
absurd challenge, is mysterious. The reader, if he 
has any doubt of its absurdity, can very well satisfy 
himself, on the instant, by laying down his book and 
trying. . . . There ! you could not, by any wrench- 
ing, see half way across your back — could you ? 

Another noted person present was the Representa- 
tive from Dedham, Eliazer Lusher. His countenance 
emulated the gravity of the Cardiff giant. But his 
mouth kept constantly working, as if he were of the 

17 



258 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

ruminating species. It has been said of him that 
whenever he was preparing to make a speech in the 
Court, he would for an hour or two keep chewing 
and swallowing violently, as if he were eating his 
own words. It is undoubtedly better for an orator 
to so eat his words at first, and voluntarily, than to 
eat them on compulsion afterward ; for they would lie 
easier on the stomach. But however Mr. Lusher's 
habit was occasioned, it can be said that whatever he 
uttered was well-digested, and had a marked influence. 
He was a worthy man as well as one of more than 
common ability, and was deferentially regarded not 
more in the kitchen of the Ship Tavern than in the 
Court. He was the same individual whom the Court, 
long years after — in 1661 — clothed with "magis- 
tratticall power for examination, conviction, and pro- 
ceeding ag* vagabond Quakers." This, in the eye 
of some, would not appear much to his credit. But it 
will be borne in mind that at that period individuals 
were sometimes forced to accept offices or suffer 
penalties. And Dedham, as is well known, was much 
disturbed by the unruly conduct of the Quakers. 

Just before sitting down to the table, Mr. Lusher 
happened to descry, hanging from one of the upper 
beams on the side of the room, some ears of corn ; 
and taking great interest in every thing that pertained 
to husbandry, he strode to the end of the table and 
mounted on a corner to examine them. The perfidi- 
ous board tilted so as to throw him off his balance ; 
and as he came down, the little waiting maid Nora 
was unfortunately passing with a dish of hot bean 
porridge. His dexter hand struck the dish with 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 259 

great force, and sent the scalding liquid flying in all 
directions. His hands, his shanks, and his feet were 
somewhat scalded, though by the timely application 
of remedies, serious injury was prevented. He was, 
however, obliged to be bandaged and laid up in the 
easy chair in the adjoining room for most of the 
evening. 

But the repast is ready, and we must spend no more 
time in making observations on the guests. Presently 
the seats that run along upon either side of the table 
are occupied by the jolly legislators. A blessing is 
invoked by the speaker, and the duties demanded by 
the hungry stomachs are entered upon with becoming 
activity and resolution. 

Game was abundant. Venison steak and bear 
meat, rabbet and partridge, all asserted their presence 
in savory fumes. There was plenty of good beer, 
too, with a moderate allowance of those more precious 
liquids at that time known under the general denom- 
ination of wine. It need not be again remarked that 
tea and coffee were unknown beverages, in those 
days. Beer was the great staple. And as the legis- 
lators themselves had a personal interest in the quality 
of the article it may well be presumed, that they 
guarded with jealous care, against cheats in the brew- 
ing. Who would have dared to sell poor beer to the 
keeper of the place where they knew the law-makers 
themselves would drink .'' And wo, wo, must have 
been the cry of the keeper had he ventured to supply 
an adulterated article. No, no, they had good beer 
at the Ship Tavern. 

It was believed that beer was a healthy and nutri- 



26o III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

tious drink — a belief, by the way, not peculiar to 
that generation, if the guzzling of the article is to be 
taken as evidence — and the Court were not disposed 
to allow the beer-makers to sponge the wealthy or 
disregard the necessities of the poor ; and so legislated 
in various ways to circumvent the extortioners. A 
specimen or two of the enactments will be given. 

"Vppon complaynt of sundry abuses & inconve- 
niences by occasion of the libertie for sellinge beere 
at three pence the quart, it is ordered by this Court 
that henceforth no beere shalbe sould for more than 
two pence the quart ; & that braunch of the law that 
allowes beere to be sould at three pence the quart is 
hereby repealed." [Court Records, Aug. 30, 1653. 

Some years afterward, to wit, Oct. 9, 1667, the 
Court ordered that no licensed innkeeper should 
" sell or any wayes vtter, any beere, ale, or drincke 
instead thereof, by retaile, that is not made altogether 
of good barley mault, w^'^out any mixture of molasses, 
course sugar, or other materialls, instead of mault, on 
poenalty of fiue pounds for euery such offence." Be- 
fore that, however, it was provided " that euery person 
licenced to keepe an ordinary shall always be provided 
of strong wholesome beere, of fower bushells of mault, 
at least, to a hogshead." And the malt intended was 
to be " good barley mault." Still later, in 1677, the 
Court enact " that all retailers of strong beere, being 
licenced thereunto, shall haue liberty to sell strong 
beere aboue two pence per quart, provided they put 
in of barly mault proportionable, i. e. beer of three 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 26 1 

pence per quart, three bushells of mault to a barrell ; 
at 4^ per quart, 4 bushells of mault to a barrell." 
The members who drew up these orders evidently 
knew how to make good beer. And none of them 
had any idea of allowing a weak or adulterated article 
to be imposed upon the public. 

But we must return to our company, who by this 
time are well along with their supper. 

Near the centre of the table, on the side toward 
the fire sat one of the Hingham members. His face 
was red, and shone as if it were newly varnished. 
He was a great lover of beer, when it was good, and 
an extra tankard stood near his place. As he contin- 
ued to eat and drink, and drink and eat, an extraordi- 
nary effect was produced. His elbows would once in 
a while give a jerk backward with a violence as 
remarkable as it was dangerous to those within their 
range. At the same time, his head was liable to 
roll, and his stomach to heave, as if a sneeze, a cough, 
a laugh and hickup, were all trying experiments on 
him at once. It was painful to observe him, and Mr. 
Gott, who sat on the opposite side of the table, and 
was well versed in all the prevailing puritanical doc- 
trines concerning the disguises and tricks of the 
evil one, and had not before had his attention so 
forcibly called to the jerks and twitches of his neigh- 
bor, at once declared him possessed of a devil. The 
proceedings would have been seriously interrupted 
had there not been others able to account for his 
condition. As remarked, he sat back to the fire, and 
the attentive little maid, seeing that his tankard was 
again empty, tripped up to replenish it. But at that 



262 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

unlucky moment his elbow gave a tremendous twitch 
and sent her straight into the fire — to the very 
back-log — where she would have broiled in three 
minutes, had not the bravv^nv arms of Mr. Brooks 
of Concord saved her from such a catastrophe. With 
a horse blanket that hung near, they smothered the 
fire about her ; and so prompt was the rescue, that for 
the second time that evening, she had to be thankful 
for an almost miraculous escape. There was a general 
uprising from the table, and the unfortunate man 
would have been roughly handled had it not been so 
apparent that it was a mere accident. The pretty 
face of the girl was sadly smutched and her fair 
ringlets singed ; but her tow-cloth dress was not free 
to burn. And on the whole the occurrence rather 
added to the merriment. 

The author of the mischief, however, felt troubled 
at the misadventure, and followed the group toward 
the sink, whither Nora was led to be scrubbed, huskily 
uttering his laments. A tub of water sat upon the 
floor, and under the mistress's ready hand — which 
dipped first into the water and then into the pan of 
ashes, and then expanded in energetic rubs upon the 
young face — there presently appeared sweet smiles 
in place of the ugly crock. Just then the working beer, 
or something else, caused another smart twitch in that 
unfortunate elbow, and away went Mr. Hills, of Mai- 
den, staggering backward, till his heel hit the tub, 
and down he sat, plump in the water, making a great 
splashing, and forming a tableau at which such a jolly 
set as were there assembled, could hardly be expected 
to keep countenance. Even Nora burst into such a 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 263 

fit of laughter that her newly-scrubbed face shone 
again. Mr. Hills himself was about the only one 
who did not appreciate the joke. And perhaps it 
was natural that as he scrambled out, all dripping 
and shivering, he should, as the first new duty of his 
life, essay to bestow on the author of his calamity a 
suitable chastisement. But as he approached, with up- 
lifted fist and angry threats, he was forcibly restrained 
by the strong arms of others. And their appeasing 
words together with the offender's own humble apol- 
ogy, acting on the naturally placid disposition of Mr. 
Hills, ended in the mild promise, on his part, of some 
disagreeable visitation somewhere in the future. 

The landlord supplied Mr. Hills with another pair 
of breeches that belonged to a traveler, who, being 
much fatigned, had retired early. He also supplied 
him with a dry under garment from his own wardrobe. 
The excitement over, they were again seated at table 
attending to the closing demands of appetite. 

After the sobering events the conversation took a 
serious turn, and the great spiritual interests as well 
as political necessities of the Colony, came up for free 
discussion. And an opportunity was afforded for Mr. 
Gott to spread himself a little. This individual was 
a Representative from a frontier settlement, and one 
who had not been guilty of uttering a mirthful word 
or taking part in any thing that appeared like sport, 
during the evening, if indeed he had during his life. 
He was a man of middle age, and surcharged with 
spurious dignity. His dress was a rusty, frouzy black 
velvet bob-coat, an unornamented doublet, very scant 
breeches of the same material as his coat — and which, 



264 ni. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

judging from the marks of age about them, must, 
with that other garment, have served one term of 
usefulness in Old England before emigrating with 
their owner to New — and dark gray leggins. His 
hair was combed straight down, all round, and was so 
short that not even a straggling lock came below his 
ears. 

He was one of the very straightest of the puritanical 
stamp ; and had fairly brought himself to believe that 
they were the chosen counsellors of their Creator. 
In the House, he had persistently advocated an indis- 
criminate seizure of the Indian lands, without any 
recompense to the " tawny devils," as he called them. 
And once he introduced a series of resolutions led off 
by a " Whereas, y^ scripture saith y' y^ earthe is 
y^ Lords and y^ fullnesse thereoff, and likewyse furth' 
saith y' y® earthe is giuen to y^ saints ; " followed by 
a " Now therefore, Resolued, y* this heritage is oures, 
wee being y® saints." But that summary way of 
establishing title did not exactly meet the views of a 
majority of the Court, as is well known. A similar 
piece of injustice toward the Indians, however, was 
attempted more than once, and by such men as should 
have been ashamed of themselves. 

There having been some talk during the evening 
about the ravages of caterpillars the past season, Mr. 
Gott unhesitatingly urged that an order be passed, 
without delay, prohibiting the pests from again ap- 
pearing within the colonial jurisdiction. This absurd 
proposition made even the sedate Mr. Child, of Water- 
town, whistle right out. Yet it was put forth in good 
faith. And it was his perfect honesty that made it 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 265 

SO intolerably funny. They made merry over it ; and 
so it may be said that he incidentally added a little to 
the amusement of the evening. This trifling matter 
would not have been introduced here, did it not aptly 
illustrate the views entertained by a considerable class 
at that time ; of which class Mr. Gott was a fair 
exponent. 

The beer, even, imparted no animation to Mr. Gott 
on this occasion, though that or something else caused 
his tongue to dangle with a little more freedom. And 
as the others began, one by one, to retire from the 
alimentary contest, and for want of better employment 
gave attention to him, he snuffed, and whined, and 
exhorted, and warned, and denounced ; the personal 
devil coming in for a liberal share of abuse ; for he, 
in common with the settlers in general, firmly believed 
in the frequent corporeal appearance of the old brim- 
stone gentleman, and entertained them with details 
of several appearances within his own personal know- 
ledge. He asserted among other things that a day 
or two before, on his way to the Court, he had seen 
the black spirit in a swamp, playing with snakes ; 
and as he returned, a little after dark, he traced him 
frisking about among the trees, by the sparks he 
blew from his mouth. No wonder that some of the 
company stared at these recitals, and that timid ones 
now and then cast furtive glances into the dark 
corners. 

Finally Mr. Gott stopped short and proposed the 
singing of a psalm. At this the merry fellow from 
Charlestown, who shrewdly saw that by a dexterous 
chop the tide of feeling might now be changed from 

L 



266 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

its sombre to a cheerful cast, sprang up and instantly 
led off, not with a psalm, but with a rollicking old 
song, with which they were all familiar. The stirring 
melody wrought them up to such fervor that when 
the chorus was reached there was such a rapping out 
that some instinctively cast their eyes upward to see 
if the roof were not giving way. Mr. Gott was of 
course very much scandalized by the profane conduct, 
but could only lament in silence. 

The table exercises were about ended. Chairs 
were drawn up around the fire and in the warm 
corners. Jokes and stories began to circulate, and 
sundry pipes emerged from their hiding places. It 
happened to be mentioned that Arrow John had 
made his appearance in the bar-room, and Mr. Child 
immediately stepped out and returned with that illus- 
trious individual, being assured that all would be 
glad of his company. When he saw the hospitable 
table, on which still lingered divers well-supplied 
dishes, he exclaimed, " I dam huggary ! No swear, no 
swear ! Walk much ! No cat, all day ! Help Preach- 
um Eliot make good men out of Indjans. Dam hard 
work ! No swear, no swear, he say." And down 
he sat and began to spoon out the racoon soup. He 
took no notice of any thing beyond his immediate 
duty to his appetite, and proceeded in perfect silence, 
excepting an occasional appreciative grunt, till he had 
concluded a hearty meal. Then he took a pipe with 
the others and was presently in a talkative mood. 

Being really a man of more than ordinary natural 
intelligence, and one who had all his life been an 
acute observer, he was able to impart much valuable 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 26/ 

information toucliing the topography and natural 
history of the country. And being altogether above 
the paltry trick of quizzing, full credit was given to 
his statements whenever he spoke from his own 
personal knowledge. But when he came to amplify 
on occurrences in the wonderful time of that myste- 
rious grandfather, he certainly did afford room for an 
occasional doubt as to the accuracy of his information. 

Some discussion was had about the three rather 
remarkable hills that gave the name Trimountain to 
the territory of Boston — Beacon hill, Copp's hill, and 
Fort hill — as the Court had been talking about 
establishing signal stations for some purpose. And 
Arrow John informed them, as an unquestionable 
historical fact, that they all three originated in the 
time of his grandfather. 

He told them, in the utmost seriousness, that 
Beacon hill, on which, as the reader well knows, the 
State House now stands, was formed in this manner : 
A stupendous animal, larger than two hundred buffa- 
loes, had come down from the north, on a rampage. 
He was very wild, and committed terrible devastation 
along the whole route, leaving a path like that of a 
tornado. His size was so great that he could walk 
over Charles river, at the widest part, without touch- 
ing one of his feet to the water. He had six legs, 
with feet larger than the great dining table before 
them. As to his food, nothing came amiss. He 
could swallow the largest buffalo to be found, entirely 
whole, and would stand and crunch down great heaps 
of rocks as big as Indian lodges, with as much ease 
and relish as a buffalo would eat up corn. 



268 III, THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

On his way to the seashore he drank dry most of 
the ponds that lay in his course ; and when he arrived 
here, commenced drinking the salt water with such 
avidity that the Indians began to fear he would drink 
the ocean dry, and thus destroy all the clams, their 
chief reliance for winter food. The more he drank 
of the salt water the more thirsty he became. And 
moreover it had an intoxicating effect upon him ; so 
that after drinking such a quantity as would prevent 
the next tide from coming up to its usual height, he 
would dash and slash about, bellowing and shaking 
his head in the most terrific manner. Then he would 
whisk his tail around the great trees, tear them up 
by the roots and throw them up in the air, as if he 
thought it rare sport. And worse than all, he made 
a specialty of swallowing every canoe he could find, 
all the more greedily if it happened to contain a few 
Indians. 

Now the Great Spirit, loving his red children above 
every thing else that he had created, was grieved at 
the annoyances they suffered from the villainous con- 
duct of the beast, and determined on his destruction. 
A good opportunity was soon presented to effect the 
purpose. There came on a day of melting heat, and 
the animal retired into a shady hollow for a nap. 
The Great Spirit at once saw his chance and instantly 
sent down upon him an appalling storm of hail, the 
smallest stones being as large as white men's houses. 
The storm continued to beat till such a body of ice 
had fallen upon him that he could not rise, his bones 
being all crushed. Then the Great Spirit hastened 
to heap the earth upon him till the little mountain 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 269 

now called Beacon hill was formed. And the vera- 
cious Indian added that his bones could then be 
found by digging deep enough. 

As the narration ended, Mr. Gott, who had listened 
with profound attention, solemnly turned upon the 
relator with the inquiry, " And dost thou not know, 
benighted salvage, that the terrible beast was the 
devil ; and that he hath yet power to come forth in 
divers shapes, to insult and abuse God's people .-' 
Buried is he, in ice .-' Your Great Spirit did well to 
punish thus, for ice is his abhorrence, the lake that 
burneth with fire and brimstone being the true place 
of his enjoyment. Nay, tawny salvage, the Court will 
never order those infernal bones to be digged from 
the earth. No, never, never." 

Well, we will not undertake to disprove the Indian's 
narration, nor gainsay Mr. Gott's pious conclusion, 
and will only remark that though no geological dis- 
turbance has yet brought to light any extraordinary 
animal relics, it is yet true that for these many years 
there has, metaphorically speaking, from time to time 
been a strong smell of the elephant in the legislative 
halls that crown the eminence — notably a few years 
since, when the great Hoosac mountain bore came 
on for consideration. Other instances will occur to 
the intelligent reader ; and it is not probable that the 
future will be entirely free from like manifestations. 

We have heard much from historians and orators 
about the poetic conceptions of the Indians. And 
the idea of a shower of icebergs is monstrously 
poetical — especially if we imagine them descending 
in bright sunshine. 



2/0 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

A short period of silent reflection and energetic 
smoking followed this piece of historical information 
from Arrow John, who, perceiving that it made a 
deep impression on their minds, signified his willing- 
ness to further instruct them in the history of his 
grandfather's time, by giving an account of an occur- 
rence on which he had often reflected with much 
satisfaction, A nod from Mr. Rawson encouraged 
him to proceed, and all ears were again opened. 

He said that the crows had so increased that they 
became the most destructive foes the Indians had. 
It was impossible to raise any corn. And in short 
every effort in their simple husbandry was defeated. 
Then, after destroying all the hopes of the sower 
of seed, they would in the autumn visit the seashore 
in such numbers and with such voracious appetites 
that the poor clams were in danger of extermination. 
And if the clams failed, utter starvation would be the 
lot of many Indians. All the incantations known 
were resorted to for relief, and the Great Spirit was 
implored, at every change of the moon, to destroy the 
black pests. Things were in this condition when the 
despairing Indians of the parts adjacent were aroused 
one morning by an extraordinary appearance along 
the coast. The whole shore, as far as the eye could 
reach, was covered by crows, cawing and flapping 
their wings in the most excited manner. The Indians 
began rapidly to gather from all quarters, and the 
strangeness of the scene struck terror on all sides. 

But it was soon perceived that the mysterious 
visitants were really crows. And the timely discov- 
ery prevented the alarm from developing itself in any 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 2/1 

dangerous extravagance. They soon felt ashamed 
of their momentary want of courage, and one Indian 
approached the cawing phalanx, and then another, 
and another, till a decent little army appeared, ready 
to meet the invading foe. And they could not restrain 
their ardor when they perceived what an admirable 
opportunity was now presented to retaliate for the 
many grievous wrongs they had suffered. Down they 
charged upon them, like Samsons among Philistines, 
with their tomahawks and clubs, slaying right and 
left, heedless of every caw for quarter. Scarcely an 
individual crow took to flight ; and that led the 
assailants to imagine that they were defiantly taunt- 
ing them ; which redoubled their fury ; and the slaugh- 
ter went vigorously on. They followed up the battle 
along the coast, till the coming tide took the bloody 
strife out of their hands, overwhelming all that re- 
mained of the ill-starred invaders. 

It is not necessary to follow Arrow John in all his 
wonderful details. It is enough to remark that sub- 
stantially his explanation was, that the great clams — 
which he said were at that period as large as any 
man's head — had joined forces, for self-preservation, 
aided by all the lobsters that claimed a residence in 
Massachusetts Bay, and had straturgetically raised 
themselves and opened their shells, exposing their 
luscious bodies to view, as their winged enemies 
began to descend for their morning meal. The black 
foragers came on in clouds, and as they settled down 
and commenced their repast the shells of the clams 
and the claws of the lobsters snapped together like 
steel traps, holding their miserable victims by ties 



2/2 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

they could not sunder. There they were, prisoners 
fast bound. And their angry vociferations and strug- 
gles did not in the least mollify nor intimidate their 
captors. . . . The next tide rolled up upon a 
silent shore, a death-strewn shore, and retired, leaving 
a deep line of black many leagues in extent. 

Thus, according to the artless account coming down 
from the wondrous age of that m3'-thical grandfather, 
were the Indians relieved from the devastations of 
the pestiferous crows ; and so were the clams and 
lobsters, whose precious lives had for years been in 
constant danger, and innumerable multitudes of whom 
had actually fallen victims. 

The occurrence shows that even the poor, benighted 
and despised clam, when driven to extremity, like 
every breathing creature, may turn upon the invader 
of his rights in a manner and with a success altogether 
unanticipated. There is nothing so mean as to be 
forever trampled on with impunity. The clams had 
never assented to the proposition that they were 
created for crow-meat ; though I never heard of their 
rebelling against the demands of the chowder-pot or 
frying-pan, put forth in a legitimate way. Indeed 
the gentle cook will bear me out in saying that they 
have been known to sing, as their bleaching shells 
opened in the last gasp. And the virtuous lobster 
is famed for his tunefulness as he is soused in the 
boiling cauldron, and the red flush of death is stealing 
over him. The Indians, however, it must be conceded, 
were a little ungrateful, after their miraculous relief 
from threatened starvation ; for they carried off great 
baskets of the bivalves before they had time to retire 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 2/3 

from the field of their conquest. But such is the 
usual fate of the weaker ally. 

A profound silence followed this second narration 
of Arrow John. They sat, gazing meditatively into 
the fire, and taking long-drawn whiffs at the pipes. 
But presently they were startled beyond measure by 
a dead wild-cat coming pounce down the chimney, 
followed by a spiteful little live porcupine. Up they 
sprang, in terrible fright. And as the door flew 
open two or three rascally Indians were discovered 
shying off in the darkness. They were evidently the 
contrivers of that brilliant little piece of mischief, and 
thought they were playing a brave joke by thus 
unceremoniously presenting their zoological speci- 
mens. They had no difficulty in ascending the roof 
of the house, for it sloped down to within a few feet 
of the ground. But a more dangerous piece of roguery 
than that, did those waggish Indians accomplish 
before their hasty departure, as will soon appear. 

Things were again quiet, and Arrow John arose to 
depart. But on being much urged he paused to give 
an account of a tree which in the time of his grandfa- 
ther grew on Noddle's Island — now East Boston — 
so tall that its top could not be seen, and so large 
that its branches overspread the whole island ; and 
which bore walnuts larger than the head of a buffalo. 
Another prolonged whistle from Mr. Child followed, 
and the pertinent inquiry, " And how did they crack 
such nuts .'' " This, the company evidently thought a 
hard nut for the Indian himself to crack. But he, 
perceiving their purpose, without the least hesitancy 
replied that he never heard they were cracked. 
L* i8 



2/4 m- THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

All eyes were now suddenly turned toward the 
outer door. Extraordinary sounds were heard. First 
it seemed as if some powerful arm were beating a 
chain on the stone door-step ; then there was a heavy, 
unearthly breathing ; then an awful scratching on 
the boards ; other and indescribable sounds being 
interspersed. Consternation began to prevail. Mr. 
Gott gasped out something about the devil being 
attracted by the profane song. 

The landlord, feeling a becoming responsibility in 
the matter, cautiously and with the long broom handle 
raised the latch. A strong gust swung the door wide 
open, and in strode a great chub-faced bear, bringing 
an armful of his own chain. In an instant, every 
thing that had legs, excepting Arrow John and the 
inanimate household articles, put them to use. 

Mr. Gott was up astride the trammel-bar in a trice ; 
and there he would have slowly roasted or become 
bacon had not the fire now burned low. Secretary 
Rawson was in the oven, with the door closed, his 
nose only protruding from the vent. Others were 
astride the beams that traversed the upper air of the 
apartment, though how they could have got there 
without flying was a mystery. It is however said 
that fear lends wings ; and they probably borrowed 
of her. 

Several had time to dodge into the adjoining front 
room, with the women. In short they had all, in an 
amazingly brief period, disposed of themselves in 
places of apparent safety ; though bruin, by standing 
erect could have reached some of their heels. But 
he made no attempt to bring about a collision of 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 2/5 

forces ; for he was perfectly good-natured, as people 
generally are when there is a feast before them. 
What he might have done, however, had they been in 
his way, or opposed his helping himself to the dainties, 
is not certain, as it turned out that he had but recently 
been introduced to civilized society, from his native 
woods. He had been chained to a tree in the back 
yard, but the roguish Indians who had introduced the 
wild-cat and porcupine through the chimney, had set 
him loose. 

Arrow John remained immovable in his seat, with 
steady eye upon the beast ; the beast, on his part, 
keeping a sharp look-out upon the Indian, who grunt- 
ed out in snatches : " Bear no hurt, look um in eye. 
No scare, no hug, no scratch. Keep um seat. Bear 
look, I look. No hurt. Smoke, sneeze um." 

As bruin demurely traveled the room, dragging his 
chain, it seemed as if he were looking out for a subject 
on which to try his linked ornament ; but he kept 
pausing to curiously examine objects of interest that 
came in his way. A large iron kettle, from which a 
luscious squirrel stew had been dipped, attracted his 
attention ; he popped his nose into it, gave a low- 
growl, and passed on to overturn the blue dye pot, 
and set the liquor free to run wherever it would. 
But nothing seemed to interest him so much as Mr, 
Hills's breeches, which hung drying in the chimney 
corner. He evidently concluded that they belonged 
to an enemy ; for the snap and snarl with which he 
finally turned from them, indicated a desire to meet 
the lawful occupant in open field. 

As he stood on the hearth, now lifting one foot 



276 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS, 

and then another, to avoid roasting either, he seemed 
to suspect that there was game up chimney. He 
thrust his head forward over the embers, as far as he 
conveniently could, and cocking his blinking eye up, 
expressed his conviction, whatever it was, by shaking 
his head and clanking his chain. This greatly fright- 
ened Mr. Gott, who from his sooty perch shrieked for 
help, in good earnest, evidently not considering where 
help could come from. But a puff of smoke oppor- 
tunely ascended into the animal's face, and sent him 
sneezing away. 

Going up to the table, he mounted on his hind legs, 
and standing upright, took a general survey, his glis- 
tening eyes expressing great satisfaction at what they 
beheld. The tallow-dips were sadly in want of snuf- 
fing, and one, more impudent than the rest, sent its 
offensive vapor right up his nose, causing a horrible 
explosion in his sneezing apparatus, which made a 
bad piece of work, as he had no pocket handkerchief 
with him. From a general survey he presently pro- 
ceeded to particulars. 

A trencher of stewed pumpkin first secured his 
observation, and he tried its quality by thrusting his 
dexter paw into its midst and raking out a few mouth- 
fuls, which he ate with great relish. Then an iron 
pan met his prospecting gaze, and the same useful 
paw, brought heavily down on the edge, tipped it 
over, sending forth a quart or two of cool gravy, a 
portion of which he lapped up with unfeigned gusto. 
Then passing along, supporting himself in his erect 
position by his paw on the table, he came to a platter 
of boiled pork, but seemed puzzled to make out what 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 2// 

it was, though he had seen pigs and been plagued 
enough by them during his sojourn in the back yard ; 
however, he thrust in the same old paw, but instantly 
withdrew it with a jerk so violent as to send a two 
pound lump flying over his head and smashing a 
plaster image on the mantel. The pork had been 
taken hot from the kettle, just as he came in, and its 
temperature was such that even a bear could not 
handle it with impunity. Moving along a little, he 
paused to regale himself on some cheese, johnny-cake, 
and artichokes. And then a pot of wild honey, the 
pure delight of all bears, was appropriated, with extra- 
ordinary greediness. 

Edging along again, he happened to espy a huge 
iron pan piled up with well-picked bones and gristly 
morsels ; and reaching over, he drew the promising 
freight toward him. One snuff elicited a roar that 
well nigh shook some of the terrified members from 
their roosts. That terrible roar, and the ferocious 
scratch that succeeded, were sufficient evidence that 
the bones of some of his own kindred had been dis- 
covered. Can a christian man imagine what his 
own feelings would be, if in some savage land he 
should find among the fragments left after a cannibal 
feast, the remains of one of his dear kindred .'' Then 
may he have some conception of the feelings within 
that woolly bosom, on this occasion. Such discov- 
eries would naturally create different manifestations 
m different temperaments ; in some rage, in others 
fear, in others again sickening disgust. But how was 
it here, with bruin } Rage, rage, was the first thing 
depicted on his countenance. He glared around and 



2/8 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

upward, with the most savage look he could com- 
mand ; making some of his enemies tremble lest he 
might, after all, find means to finish his meal on 
their precious bodies. Arrow John found it neces- 
sary, while the excitement continued, to "look um 
in eye," very closely. 

But after the first ebullition, the bear's feelings 
appeared to undergo an entire change — insupportable 
dejection succeeding rage. He laid his head upon 
his paws, and seemed dissolving in grief, still eyeing 
the dreadful dish. After remaining thus in bitter 
contemplation for a few minutes, he slowly let himself 
down on all-fours, and with a desperate spring through 
the door — which Arrow John had slyly set ajar with 
the mop-stick, some minutes before — rushed off into 
the outer darkness. 

After the flight of bruin, the exiles began speedily 
to return. And they appeared in generally good con- 
dition. Secretary Rawson, however, emerged from 
the oven, in a coat of ashy gray, and Mr. Gott from 
the chimney in a coat of sooty black. The rather 
comical episode in the exercises of the evening, fur- 
nished new subjects for discussion. Mr. Gott, of 
course, persisted in declaring that the intruder was 
the devil, and went so far as to allege that when he 
stood upon the hearth he saw him spit out sparks 
of fire ; and no one disputed him ; for he was such a 
mass of soot that every one was disposed to avoid 
contact with him, even in argument. Mr. Rawson 
was cheerful and merry after he had beaten the ashes 
from his garments and relieved his limbs from the 
cramps and kinks. 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 2/9 

The most weighty discourse that followed during 
the evening was on the necessity of the Court passing 
some order, forthwith, to restrain the keepers of public 
houses from harboring so many of those four-footed 
favorites. Almost every tavern, high or low, had a 
bear or two chained somewhere about the premises. 
They perhaps added something to the entertainment 
of the guests, though they could not have added 
much to the safety. Bears' claws are rather danger- 
ous play-things ; and even the best taught of the 
animals will sometimes, through absent-mindedness, 
put them to a natural use. There were few sources 
of public amusement at that period ; and even the 
tricks of a bear afforded something of that of which 
every vital man on earth needs a little, viz., fun — 
fun, without which the whole sensorium will stagnate, 
sour, and mould. But the Court interfered with the 
reign of the bears, soon after this unmannerly dis- 
turbance, passing such orders as seemed necessary to 
restrain their audacity. And those pet adjuncts of 
good-fellowship began one by one to disappear. 

It is of the utmost importance in legislative assem- 
blies that a certain degree of dignity and decorum 
should be preserved. It never answers to proceed in 
a loose, slip-shod way, amid disorder and inattention. 
The reason why every thing reaches such a satisfac- 
tory result in the United States Congress, for instance, 
may be found in the fact of their having such whole- 
some rules and so rigidly enforcing them ; and the 
reason of those wholesome rules being so easily 
enforced there, lies in the fact that the members are 



28o III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

SO cordially loving toward each other, so honorable, 
so courteous, so faithful to their trusts — such bright 
legislative jewels. 

By a stately demeanor and mysterious air of dignity, 
many an ignoramus has passed for a philosopher. 
And in assemblies of men, something to befog and 
magnify a little, in the imagination, is useful. Law 
courts, especially, must assume a proper measure of 
dignity, and put on some airs of the majestic order, 
to inspire a healthful dread in the minds of culprits. 
And it is questionable whether the departed big wigs 
and gowns could not be recalled to the bench with 
profit. 

Among the records of the General Court, from the 
earliest times, we find evidence of a tender regard for 
decorum in the proceedings. Witness the following : 

" Itt is ordered y' if any person shall take any 
tobacco w*''in the room where the Courte is sitting, 
he shall forfeite, for every pipe so taken. 6^- ; & 
if they shall offend againe, in contemning this whole- 
some order, he shallbe called to y^ barr for his delin- 
quency, & pay double his fyne." [Court Records, 
Nov. 4, 1646. 

The tobacco business made a good deal of trouble 
for the early legislators. They did not understand 
the use and effects of the article so well as the people 
of this day do, for it was a comparatively new power 
in the domestic economy, questionable and disturbing. 
The Indians consumed large quantities of the coarser 
kinds, and did it in a slovenly way. Their pipes were 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 28 I 

clumsy, though capacious and often highly ornament- 
ed, and so heavy that they could be used in slings, as 
missiles of war, or upon their lines, as sinkers, in 
deep water fishing. 

The settlers chewed a good deal, and their turbid 
ejections were so freely dispensed that delicate sto- 
machs had not far to look for occasions of offence. 
In winter, the long beards of the beaux glistened 
with the little brown bugles in a manner at once 
picturesque and filthy. They also smoked a great 
deal more than did them good. And some of them 
took enough poor snuff to fill every vacant chamber 
in their heads, and quarrel for quarters with the 
brains themselves. 

There were earlier enactments restraining the use 
of tobacco, which may, perhaps not improperly, be 
noticed here, though, as the reader will observe, we 
are just now speaking of matters which have special 
reference to the Court itself: 

" It is further ordered, that noe person shall take 
any tobacco publiquely, vnder paine of punishm* ; 
also that euery one shall pay j'^- for every time hee is 
convicted for takeing tobacco in any place." [Court 
Records, Oct. 3, 1632. 

" . . . . Victulars, or keepers of an ordinary, 
shall not suffer any tobacco to be taken in their 
bowses, under the penalty of v^- for euery offence, to 
be payde by the victuler, & xij"'- by the party that 
takes it." . . . . " Further, it is ordered, that 
noe person shall take tobacco publiquely, under pen- 
alty of iy- vj^-, nor privately, in his owne howse, or in 



282 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

the howse of another, before strangers, & that two or 
more shall not take it togeather, any where, vnder 
the aforesaid penalty for euery offence." [Court Re- 
cords, Sept. 3, 1634. 

But the prohibitory tobacco laws were repealed, 
and reenacted, and modified, from time to time, for 
many years. The matter indeed seems to have been 
as difficult to manage, politically, as the liquor traffic 
is in our times. But it is hardly fitting to pursue the 
nuisance farther, in this place. 

Let us now take a glimpse at their enactments 
concerning the privileges and privations of speech- 
makers : 

" It is ordered that if any member of the Court 
shall begin any speech, while another is speakeing, 
to interrupt the former, hee shall forfect ii'f- vi^- for 
every offence." [Court Records, Sept. 3, 1634. 

And again : 

•' It is ordered y* noe member of this howse shall 
speake twice to one case att one time, beefore every 
one (y' will) haue spoken on y^ busines in hand, and 
after some pawse to see if any other will speake, & it 
is att y^ libertie of any to speake agayne w^'' leaue 
from y*" howse." [Court Records, May 31, 1644. 

As before remarked, every legislature is aflflicted 
with a greater or less number of talkers, those who 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 283 

must be jumping up to discharge a volley of words 
on every subject, whether they have any acquaintance 
with it or not. These are thorns and brambles, at 
which the foregoing enactment was partially aimed. 

One reason why the General Court was regarded 
with so much respect, was that it respected itself, and 
would not allow its authority to be trampled on with 
impunity — would not allow the political ranter to rail 
at and reproach it, as might suit his convenience in 
covering ujd his own corrupt trail, as a vicious law- 
yer will charge his failure in some dishonest service 
to the stupidity or depravity of judge or jury, hitting 
any where, with any charge, so that he set himself 
right with his bewildered client. That blessed priv- 
ilege of lampooning rulers, so precious in the sight 
of the people of this day, we repeat, was denied to our 
fathers. Observe what justice was meted out by the 
following order : 

" M"" W"" Aubery havinge vsed some reproachfull 
speeches concerninge the Gen^l Court, it was ordered, 
that the s'' Aubery should be seuerely reproued in 
open Court, & make a publicke acknowledgment of 
his reproachfull speeches, or be bound to the good 
behavio"" dureing the Courts pleasure, which he per- 
formed accordingly." [Court Records, May 23, 1655. 

And again, a few years subsequent : 

" Frauncis Smith, for his contemptuous & false 
speech in the Generall Court, is sentenced to be sett 



284 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

in the stocks by y^ marshall, for one whole hower." 
[Court Records, May 28, 1659. 

Francis was himself a member of the Court, and 
perhaps fancied that he had a right to defame his 
fellow-members as much as he pleased, even as his 
right hand might vilify his left. And he was evidently 
taken aback by this sentence ; for the record imme- 
diately adds : 

" The Court, on consideration of Frauncis Smiths 
humble acknowledgem' of his sinfull carriage, judge 
meet, instead of the punishment of the stocks, to 
order y' twenty shillings be taken as a fine." 

It is evident that the ignominy of the stocks was the 
thing of dread here, for he could not have earned the 
amount of the fine in four days. And this supports 
the argument before stated, that for many of the 
petty offences that are treated in our inferior courts, 
the punishment of the stocks would be more effectual 
than any that can be awarded under our existing 
laws. And the punishment would fall just where it 
should. Cases every day occur in our police courts, 
in which, for instance, an old toper is fined five dollars 
for over-indulgence. He has no money to pay his 
fine, for all he had has gone into the till of the rum- 
seller. So his poor wife, or son, or daughter, out of a 
hard earned pittance discharges the fine to save the 
husband or father from being shut up in prison. And 
does the punishment, in that way, fall just where it 
should ? Or if he manages to pay the fine himself. 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 285 

it is SO much taken from the slender support of his 
family, for such unworthy persons generally manage 
to have families if nothing else. No man is so far 
sunk in dishonor as to have no pride left. And the 
disgrace of a public exposure in the stocks is of all 
things a pride-crusher. The stocks are understood 
to have been abolished as a cruel punishment. But 
how, cruel ? There is nothing like physical torture 
about them ; and a little punishment to the feelings 
of those who have no regard for the feelings or rights 
of others, does not appear outrageous. Sentiment is 
a very good thing in its place ; but a police court 
seems hardly to be its place. 

A curious case of punishment by confinement in 
the stocks, by the way, occurred at Boston, in June, 
1639. Edward Palmer had built the stocks for the 
town, and been paid what was claimed to be a reason- 
able sum. But the matter somehow got before the 
General Court, and they, without ceremony, adjudged 
the price exorbitant, and passed the following order : 

"Edward Palmer, for his extortion, takeing i^- ly- 
y^-, for the plank & woodwork of Boston stocks, is 
fined 5''-, and censured to bee set an houre in the 
stocks." [Court Records, June 6, 1639. 

The fine, however, was " remited him to lo-^-, w*^'* 
hee p"^." The poor man must have been greatly 
astonished to find himself the first one judicially 
required to test the strength and comfort of his 
erection, besides being sentenced to pay a fine of 
more than three times the amount of his bill. He 



286 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

must have felt it a hard lesson. But it is not easy to 
perceive wherein the claim was so very exorbitant. 
It is not, of course possible now to determine exactly 
what such a piece of work was then worth, as com- 
pared with charges of the present day ; but if it were 
done even in a rough way, it could not now cost less 
than twenty dollars ; and those who serve the public 
are not usually expected to be more favorable in their 
charges than those who serve individuals. The judg- 
ment of the Court, however, must be taken as right. 
And the affair furnishes an apt illustration of the 
remark elsewhere made, that the public was not at 
that time, as now, deemed a fat goose, ready for every 
one to pick. 

The Court was evidently, as a body, strongly im- 
pressed with a sense of its duty to the public, and a 
proper abhorrence of the dishonesty of not rendering 
faithful service. But there were individuals who 
never seemed to realize their duty ; or if they did, 
were not honest enough to do it. The pay of mem- 
bers, it is true, was a mere pittance ; but what of 
that ; every one owes some service for the protection 
he receives. But how is it in our day .'' The legisla- 
tors are well paid, in one way or another ; at least 
they consider it so, or they would not so zealously 
seek the office. But — .... Well, well, being 
very good-natured, we have no charges to make, and 
congratulate the various constituencies on their good 
fortune in always electing such as are diligent and 
faithful, never neglecting their public duties to attend 
to private affairs or amusements. For them to do so 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 28/ 

would be positively dishonest ; and it is hoped that the 
allusion here will not be taken as evidence that we 
consider the great wrong possible in any member of so 
honorable a body as a Massachusetts legislature. 

The following discloses, at least by implication, the 
delinquencies under which our fathers sometimes 
suffered : 

" It being of great concernment to the publick 
weale of this jurisdiction, that all such as are mem- 
bers of the General Court doe constantly attend their 
respective trusts in the sajd Court, it is ordered by 
this Court and the authority thereof, that henceforth 
it shall not be lawful! for any member of the Generall 
Court to absent himself from the Court w*'^out licence 
of both houses first had and obtejned, on poenalty 
of twenty shillings a day, and for the first fower dayes 
of the Court of Election, the poenalty to be as in the 
printed law ; and that there may be a due observance 
hereof, the secretary & clarke of the deputjes shall, 
in their respective places, enter in their daybooks all 
defaults made by any of the members of either house, 
& before the rising of the Court present the same to 
the whole Court." [Court Records, May 15, 1667. 

It is not to be assumed that at the present day the 
Court is destitute of rules requiring the regular at- 
tendance of its members ; indeed the common law 
governing parliamentary assemblies would be suffi- 
cient. But it is one thing to have rules, and another 
to enforce them. And what are laws or rules good 
for without penalties .'' And what are penalties good 



288 HI. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

for unless they are enforced ? But our legislators are 
all, all honorable men, and can we not trust to them ? 
Undoubtedly we can. Yet we cannot somehow avoid 
adding that if a reasonable fine were imposed on all 
absentees, and collected, the state treasury would be 
so replenished that our taxes would be less. 

The foregoing was not the first enactment on the 
point under consideration. More than twenty years 
before, the following order was passed : 

" It was ordered, that henceforward noe member 
of this howse (vppon any pretence of businesse w* 
any man) shall absent himselfe from y^ occasions 
thereof w*^out leaue first graunted from y^ howse." 
[Court Records, May 30, 1644. 

As to the decorum of the House, in the early days, 
the following indicates what was required : 

" Ordered, that henceforward noe member of this 
howse shall sitt or stand w"' his hatt on whiles y^ 
Speaker is propoundinge any vote." [Court Records, 
May 30, 1644. 

Something of the management of the internal 
affairs of the House and pay of attendants may be 
gathered from the following : 

" Samuel Greene is appoynted & chosen an officer 
to attend y^ dore of y^ Howse of Deputies for this 
Courte, & is to haue 2^- per day w"' diett & lodg- 
inge." [Court Records, May 30, 1644. 



WHOLESOME PROVISIOxSS. 289 

And again : 

" Itt is ordered that John Marshall shall haue 
twenty shillings pajd him by the county Tresurer for 
clensing the Court house, drawing of wood, making 
of fire, &c., for y^ last yeare." [Court Records, Nov. 
12, 1659. 

But Mr. Marshall, like most others who begin to 
feed on government pap, soon acquired a hankering 
for a larger allowance. His pay was increased to 
forty shillings ; but his craving still increasing, by 
that on which he fed — like the thirst of the great 
beast in Arrow John's account, who drank such quan- 
tities of salt water — he wrought upon the Court, till 
the following order blessed his expectations : 

"Whereas, John Marshall hath formerly binn al- 
lowed forty shillings a yeare for his seruice during 
the sitting of the General Court, Court of Asistants, 
& Council, in the cleansing of the house, making 
fires, he complayning y^ it answers not his time he 
spends, it is ordered that he be allowed three pounds a 
yeare for time to come." [Court Recoids, Oct. 9, 1667. 

We have spoken of the lively indignation manifested 
by the Court against those members who presumed 
to stigmatize its authority or treat with disrespect 
their fellow-members ; and will now give an instance 
of the discipline of an outsider who took it upon him 
to vilify the government generally. It relates, as will 
be observed, to a very early period : 

M 19 



290 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

" It is ordered, that Thomas Dexter shalbe sett in 
the bilbowes, disfranchized & ffined xV- for speakeing 
reproachfull & seditious words against the governm' 
here established, & findeing fault to dyvers w^'^ the 
acts of the Court, sayeing -this captious governm* will 
bring all to naught, adding that the best of them was 
but an atturney, &c." [Court Records, March 4, 1633. 

Viewed in any light, this punishment was severe. 
A fine of forty pounds was no small thing in those 
days. And then the ignominy of the bilboes, was 
hard to be borne by one of Mr. Dexter's spirit. But 
worse than all, most likely, in his view, was the 
disfranchizement. What influence his derisive charge 
that " the best of them was but an atturney," had, 
we do not know. He was a resident of Lynn, and a 
man of some prominence, though it is judged of no 
great influence. It appears by the records that he 
was much in the law ; from which, perhaps, he derived 
the experience that induced him to slur the attorneys. 
He was the same individual who purchased Nahant 
of Black Will, an Indian chief, for a suit of clothes 
and a jewsharp. But it turned out, much as a good 
many other land speculations have turned out. After 
the clothes were worn out and the jewsharp broken, 
it was found that Will never had a title to the land. 

Obdurate contemners of authority, either in state 
or church, were sometimes punished in a singular as 
well as severe manner. The RadclifF case is in point : 

" It is ordered that Philip Ratcliffe shalbe whipped, 
have his eares cutt of, fyned 40^- & banished out of y= 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 29 1 

lymitts of this jurisdiccon, for vttering mallitious & 
scandulous speeches against the govm* & the church 
of Salem." [Court Records, June 14, 163 1. 

Here was another instance of rigorous punishment 
for what would not, at this day, be treated as a mis- 
demeanor at all. Winthrop says that Radcliff was a 
servant to Mr. Craddock, and that the sentence was 
immediately executed — that part relating to the whip- 
ping, cutting off the ears and banishment, probably, 
as he does not mention the fine. And it is difficult 
to see how so humble an individual could have raised 
so much money. Perhaps the pecuniary mulct was 
remitted, though I do not find any record of the fact. 
It is singular that this early case did not have a more 
decided effect in restraining the inclination to award 
vindictive punishments, so strongly manifested. It 
excited a good deal of feeling, not only here but in 
the neighboring jurisdictions, and was denounced by 
the most thoughtful and judicious as excessively 
cruel. It was reported in England, and created great 
indignation there. And it was, in reality, one of the 
first of that series of alleged enormities that led the 
home government to open a jealous eye upon the colo- 
nists, and which finally ended in that accumulation 
of accusations which enabled the public accuser to 
induce the English High Court of Chancery to issue 
a writ of quo warranto "against the charter and 
priuiledges claymed by the Gouno'' and Company 
of Massachusetts Bay in New England, by reason 
of some crjmes and misdemeanors by them comitted." 
And the battle against the Charter, opened by the 



292 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

public accuser — who, it will be remembered, was the 
redoubtable Edward Randolph himself — did not ter- 
minate till 1684, when, at Trinity term, as the reader 
will not need to be informed, the chancery court gave 
their celebrated judgment, cancelling the letters pa- 
tent and the enrolment thereof. And thus did the 
strong arm reach over the water and ruthlessly snatch 
away the great colonial idol, regardless of indignant 
protests and humble prayers. 

The case of John Stone was another that proved 
of great importance in its results, though in a very 
different way from Radcliff 's. It was disposed of in 
the Court of Assistants, in the following manner : 

" Capt. John Stone for his outrage comitted in 
confronting authority, abuseing M"" Ludlowe both in 
words and behavior, assalting him and calling him a 
justass, &c., is fined c^- & prohibited comeing within 
this pattent w"'out leaue from the Goum^ vnder the 
penalty of death." [Court Records, Sept. 3, 1633. 

There is abundant evidence that this Capt. Stone 
was a man of violent temper and incorrect habits ; 
and his fellow-settlers were not to be blamed for 
desiring to get rid of him. He came to a tragical 
end. On his way to Virginia, whither he directed 
his steps soon after receiving his sentence, he put 
into the Pequot country, where he at once got into a 
serious quarrel with the Indians, which resulted in 
the killing of himself and his whole company, eight 
in number. And singularly enough, the destruction 
of that miserable outlaw — who had been forbidden 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 293 

by the Court to again show his face in the Massachu- 
setts jurisdiction, on pain of death — was urged as 
one of the pretexts for the war which resulted in the 
utter destruction of the great Pequot nation. How 
much the grim pun uttered in his venomous slander 
of "just-ass" Ludlow had to do with intensifying 
the sentence does not appear. It seems uncertain 
whether the hundred pounds fine was paid ; but if he 
had sufficient, it was probably secured. That amount, 
however, may well be considered as a decent fortune, 
for those days. 

Then there was the case of John Lee, another 
reprobate contemner of those in authority, though his 
rank offences do not appear to have been confined to 
one particular line : 

" It is ordered that John Lee shalbe whipt & ffiyned 
xV- for speakeing reproachfully of the Govn', sayeing 
hee was but a lawers clerke, & what vnderstanding 
had hee more than himselfe ; also taxinge the Court 
for makeing lawes to picke mens purses ; as also for 
abuseing a mayde of the Govn''s, pretending love in 
the way of marriage, when himselfe professes hee 
intended none ; as also for intiseing her to go with 
him into the cornefeild." [Court Records, Oct. 6, 1634. 

In the above case we have a specimen of what the 
lawyers call duplicity — a grouping together in one 
information of different offences. And it is difficult 
to determine which were intended to be punished — 
or if the whole, which with the greatest severity. 
There was slander of the Governor, slander of the 



294 III- THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

Court, and, apparently, breach of a marriage contract, 
to say nothing of the equivocal intent in the entice- 
ment into the cornfield. But the proceeding furnishes 
a fair specimen of the summary manner in which 
known rogues and suspected individuals were dealt 
with in those days. And from a sentence of this 
Court no appeal was allowed. But looking back to 
the charge that the Court made " lawes to picke 
mens pockets," we are led to ask what in mercy's name 
would the people of our time do if they could not 
scold and rant about such things with the most airy, 
yea, windy, freedom. 

Having thus spoken of Wholesome Provisions con- 
cerning the management of the government and the 
internal discipline of the Court itself, we will proceed 
to add something about Wholesome Provisions of 
a different sort. While the Court were so much 
exercised, as has before appeared, on the question 
of procuring suitable board and lodging for the mem- 
bers, when at Boston in the performance of their 
duties — some being forced to lead an almost vagrant 
life, picking up their food in the two or three little 
bake-houses and cook-shops about the town, and 
lodging wherever they could find decent shelter — 
various orders of an amusing character were passed, 
intended, as far as possible, to relieve their necessities. 
The inhabitants should have been ashamed of their 
inhospitality, whether it arose from the apprehension 
that they were unequal to the task of suitably enter- 
taining such dignitaries, from the idea that they were 
merely servants of the public and as such entitled 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 295 

only to servants* treatment, or from some other of the 
causes before suggested. They were not only inhos- 
pitably treated in the way named, but subjected to 
divers kinds of petty cheats, and reasonably felt much 
aggrieved at the manner in which their little pay was 
picked off. I must think that in the following — 
though a wholesome provision for the general good — 
the Court had an eye to the protection of its members : 

" John Stone & his wife were admonished to make 
biger bread, & to take heede of offending by making 
too little bread hearafter." [Court Records, Nov. 5, 
1639. 

This John Stone was a baker, and lived on the 
bushy lane that finally developed into Hanover street, 
his house being near the present Union street. His 
bakery was connected with his dwelling, which was 
an unpretending ten-footer, without clapboards or 
paint, and had the great oven bulging out like an 
enormous wart, from the rear. It was a singular 
oversight of the colonial architect to place the oven 
in so exposed a situation, where the accidents of 
weather, if nothing else, might greatly damage it. 
On cold, blustering days, it must have been very 
difficult to heat it, or to keep it hot a sufficient length 
of time after the fire had been drawn, had there not 
been a heavy embankment of earth thrown over it. 
And that embankment proved a luxurious nestling 
place for the early spring flowers, called into life by 
the genial warmth below and the auxiliary sun above. 
And upon it, too, the modest dandelion loved to 



296 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

spread its young leaves and golden rosettes, submis- 
sively yielding in return its tender life to the knife 
of the gatherer of greens. 

There was a little groggery some rods off from the 
bakery, toward the water, which usually turned out, 
about midnight, half a score or so of balmy topers ; 
and some of these, too, when the weather was cold, 
sought the genial vicinity of the oven, lounging about 
it, and occasionally prostrating themselves upon it to 
avoid perishing. There they would continue their 
drowsy disputations till sufficiently restored to venture 
home. And generally if a belligerent neighbor or 
strolling bruiser were spoiling for a set-to, he could 
find some one there willing to accommodate him. 

Why Mrs. Stone was censured by the Court, in 
connection with her husband, does not appear, for 
she was one of those docile wives who always find it 
expedient to do the bidding of their lords. And he 
was one of those grandiose husbands who make it a 
point very early to impress upon their wives the fact 
that they are to be captain of the ship matrimonial, 
managing all the concerns and assuming all the 
responsibilities. She knew her position if the Court 
did not, her first lesson having been received even 
before the first quartering of the honey moon ; a lesson 
rendered all the more impressive from having been 
given in presence of a considerable company of her 
astonished relatives. She had slightly disobeyed an 
order respecting the browning of some barley loaves, 
when he caught her by the nape of the neck, and 
derisively declaring that she had never been properly 
baked, and that now was a good time to have the 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 297 

matter attended to, forced her head so far into the 
hot oven that her hair was crisped to the very crown. 
And pressing her nose upon the glowing stones he 
so grievously burned that member that it ever after 
continued to be a reminder of the danger of opposing 
the marital authority to which she had at the nuptials 
promised obedience. The Court had official cogni- 
zance of that discourteous act, and hence, one would 
have thought, might have considered her as acting 
under such duress as would have rendered her irre- 
sponsible in the matter of scanting the loaves. 

Mr. Stone was a covetous, surly man, but cleanly 
and attentive to business. He succeeded in getting 
the ill-will of his neighbors at the same time that he 
got their custom, for they were not foolish enough to 
punish themselves for the sake of making him wince 
a little under the retributive rod. He made some 
wheat bread, and his barley loaves and corn cakes 
gained such a reputation as was the envy of every 
ambitious housewife. In summer he experimented 
successfully with berries of the various kinds that the 
Indian maids brought in, in great profusion. He 
sometimes drove rather hard bargains with them, to 
be sure, for they did not know the value of their 
own merchandize, nor of that which was offered in 
exchange. A farthing sweet-cake would perhaps pur- 
chase half a peck of luscious blackberries. But Sunny 
Wave found him out ; and then he was less successful 
in his cheats ; for she was constantly on the alert to 
warn her friends, and teach them something of what 
they would encounter in their traffic with white men 
in general, and Mr. Stone in particular, who she 
M* 



298 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

declared would " cheat um head off," if an opportu- 
nity offered. 

Mr. Stone's berry cakes became known to every 
thrifty dame who had occasion to go beyond her own 
skill in purveying for her company table. And then 
his pumpkin bread — that too became famous, and 
many a loaf won its way even to the governor's table, 
though his own good wife made pretension to great 
accomplishment in the art of cooking. 

The business of Mr. Stone was so extensive that 
at times, for a month together, he was obliged to 
employ a journeyman and a boy in the bakery. The 
journeyman, who occupied a portion of his valuable 
time on the cobbler's bench, always held himself in 
readiness to respond to a call from Mr. Stone. He 
was a lusty young fellow, and had early taken to 
sparking a buxom maid employed about the bakery ; 
a circumstance which perhaps explains his readiness 
to serve there ; for his pay was small and grudgingly 
doled out in stale bread ; while the lingual abuse 
was liberal. Another fact showing the great success 
of the business is that it was, as a general thing, 
necessary to keep two wheelbarrows on the move, to 
supply customers. 

The barley loaves formed a sort of standard. And 
it was to them that the Court order was intended 
especially to apply. He declared in his answer that 
the same weight of meal was in them that there ever 
had been in loaves of the same style, but they seemed 
smaller on account of not being so distempered and 
puffed up with yest. That seemed reasonable. And 
as the discussion waxed warm in the House, members 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 299 

found a good opportunity to exhibit their skill in 
the important but difficult art of bread-making. It 
was impossible for some to make others understand 
the superiority of good solid bread over the bloated, 
sham, yest-puffed article that had begun to pervert 
the taste of the people and gratify their sinful sto- 
machs. Did not the Jews eat unleavened bread ^ it 
was significantly asked. And were they not a stiff- 
necked, rebellious people .'' was the triumphant reply. 
Finally, to obviate the whole matter, and at once 
arrive at a fair conclusion, the Court fell back upon 
the ever-ready scape-goat, a committee of investiga- 
tion. They forthwith appointed such a body, with 
full power to send for persons and bread. And with 
great discretion the committee arranged to hold their 
preliminary session at the bakery, notifying Mr. Stone 
accordingly. 

Now legislative committees are proverbial for their 
fidelity, intelligence, and incapacity for being swayed 
by bribes or blandishments — for being, in short, 
absolutely rock-bound against every illegitimate influ- 
ence or offering. But they have stomachs ; and sto- 
machs are independent powers, as despotic and quite 
as unruly as tongues, though not perhaps liable to 
be set on fire by the same kind of kindling. Mr. 
Stone was philosopher enough to comprehend all 
these things ; and comprehending them, he set about, 
on receiving the notice, to prepare an entertainment. 
Taking the world as it runs, a man is safer, when he 
has a favor to secure, in applying to the stomach 
than the head. There is more solid argument in a 
nice beef-steak than in the best prepared rhetoric ; 



300 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

and if the head cannot understand it, it is certain 
that the stomach can. We hear, even in scripture, 
of bowels of compassion ; but I think nothing is said 
about brains of compassion. Perhaps Mr. Stone 
remembered this when he set about preparing his 
banquet. 

But whatever Mr. Stone's persuasives, views, or 
motives were, the eyes of the committee fairly glis- 
tened when they beheld the preparations made for 
them. They found the floor of the bakery swept as 
clean as birch broom could make it, the meal-chest 
nicely covered with a cloth of bleached tow, and the 
clean-ribbed molasses keg in the corner, benignantly 
smiling upon the modest yest-jar. The table on 
which their repast was to be served was drawn up in 
front of the great oven wherein already crackled an 
enormous pile of faggots ; and the dame, arrayed in 
her best attire, was marshaling the white maple- 
wood trenchers upon it, with here and there a shining 
pewter dish. 

Obsequiously did Mr. Stone greet the dignitaries, 
who advanced with the air of ministers plenipoten- 
tiary, and invited them to at once commence their 
examination ; supplementarily intimating that some 
humble hospitality would await them at the close 
of their labors. He pointed to the kneeding-trough, 
the yest-jar, the scales ; and then, with a circular 
turn of the arm, which seemed to be intended as a 
sort of and-so-forth movement, covering the whole 
premises, he turned to his work as if he were the 
least concerned of them all, as to what discoveries 
might be made. They moused around for a while, 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 3OI 

and when it got to be setting-in time the fire was 
allowed to die away. The old slice was wielded so 
vigorously that scarcely a shade had passed over the 
bright glow of the oven ribs, when all was ready for 
the grand closing, an operation which the committee 
were very curious in observing. Near the mouth, a 
savory dish or two that needed but little cooking, 
were placed, convenient to be withdrawn in a mo- 
ment, as they were to add their graces to the banquet, 
the chief elements of which had been for some time 
merrily revolving on the great jack-spit before the 
kitchen fire. 

In the course of their examination, the committee 
had the luck to fall upon a little cupboard which was 
well supplied with the various meritorious drinkables 
of the day — sparkling cider, malt liquors, and some 
of the still more energetic beverages from the stills 
of Barbadoes. And that cupboard became an object 
of such peculiar interest that they kept returning to 
it, sometimes one by one and sometimes in a body, 
so frequently that it soon became evident to Mr. 
Stone that their research had developed something 
with which they were peculiarly pleased. The Salem 
member was observed at the cupboard rather more 
frequently than the others, and by degrees he became 
very mirthful, cutting up odd pranks of various kinds. 
Every now and then he would salute the host with a 
ringing slap on the back, and greet him as an honest 
fellow, who never in his life stinted a loaf, and who 
should have a report that would leave him whiter 
than his finest wheat loaf And then he would be 
seized by an irresistible inclination to try his musical 



302 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

powers, favoring them with songs and snatches much 
better fitted for the groggery below than the respect- 
able precincts of the bakery. He jumped up and 
swung on the door till he came near wrenching it 
from its hinges ; and in divers other similarly eccen- 
tric ways gave vent to the exuberance of his spirits. 

Presently he went out and began to perambulate 
the surroundings, keeping his friends advised of his 
whereabouts, by an occasional startling vociferation. 
Finally, however, there came an interval of ominous 
silence. And then came vehement outcries ; wild 
screeches, which made those within fear that some 
dire calamity had fallen upon him. They rushed out 
as soon as a lighted lantern could be procured — for 
it was now dark — and found him mounted on the 
bulging oven, at the rear of the house, shouting defi- 
ance to imaginary foes who were attacking his imag- 
aginary castle. They tried to calm him ; but their 
efforts seemed rather to increase his excitement. At 
last they resolved to climb up and take him by main 
force, lest the whole neighborhood should become 
alarmed, and disgrace settle upon them all. 

Two of the most powerful and courageous, there- 
fore, rushed up the steep side of the oven and made 
an attempt to seize him. But he had no idea of 
surrendering without a struggle. And they at once 
closed in with him. The conflict, though of momen- 
tary continuance was violent, and terribly disastrous 
in its effects ; for as neither party seemed disposed to 
yield, the oven itself concluded to. The whole crown 
gave way, and down went the three combatants into 
the fiery bowels, right among the unsuspecting loaves 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 3O3 

and banquet dishes. It was a terrible disaster, meas- 
ured by the character of the property destroyed, but 
far more terrible measured by the amount of human 
agony produced. Yet there was something so un- 
speakably ludicrous in it that Mr. Stone was so touched 
that he could not avoid turning to the wall, uttering a 
low chuckle and muttering something about Shadrach, 
Meshech and Abednego, before he could once think 
of doing anything for the relief of the sufferers. But 
their shrieks soon aroused him ; and not only him 
but the whole neighborhood. Mrs. Stone ran tearing 
down the road to the groggery, summoning every 
body by the way ; and soon the bakery was the scene 
of an activity that spoke most favorably for the human- 
ity of the people. 

The unfortunate gentlemen were speedily extri- 
cated, though in a fearfully damaged condition. All 
the doctors were summoned ; and among them came 
divers old women with bundles of herbs. Their 
burns and scalds were very serious, though no fatal 
results followed. It is said that it is an ill wind that 
blows nobody good ; but by this rule that was an ill 
wind, unless the feast afforded the pigs and poultry 
by the spoiled comestibles gives it a different charac- 
ter. The sufferers were skillfully bandaged, and as 
soon as possible despatched for their several homes. 
But a comical error occurred in the delivery. They 
were so swathed and bound up, so seared and peeled, 
so discolored and disfigured, that it was difficult 
to distinguish one from the other, and two were left 
at the wrong places. Nor was it till some days after 
that the wives ascertained that they had been afifec- 



304 ni. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

tionately nursing the wrong husbands. The mistake, 
however, was regarded in its proper light, and the 
patients were speedily exchanged. 

The oven remained in its dilapidated condition till 
the Court could send another committee to estimate 
the damages, which were considered a proper public 
charge. What the bread committee's final report 
was, there is no way of determining, from any thing 
that appears on the records. 

The Court appointed still another committee to 
see that the oven, when it was rebuilt, was safely 
constructed, and placed beneath the roof It was 
done accordingly. And then the spring flowers, and 
the dandelions, and the topers from the groggery, 
lost their warm nestling place. 

It was remarked that Mr. Stone made some wheat 
bread. And the comely white loaves were held in 
such estimation that they passed as currency, depre- 
ciating with age. He took an almost childish pride 
in them, and was so overcome when the Court passed 
the cruel order forbidding those of his trade to make 
wheat bread, that he sat down on the three legged 
stool before the oven fire and relieved himself by a 
hearty, blubbering cry. The prohibition was in fact 
a piece of patriotic self-denial. It was not that they 
did not love the nice white loaves, but that they could 
exchange the wheat for foreign commodities which 
they had not other means to purchase — articles of 
prime necessity as they deemed them ; such as rum 
and molasses from the West Indies, and woolen 
cloths from England. The prohibitory order was as 
follows : 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 305 

" Forasmuch as it appeareth to this Court that 
wheate is hke to bee a staple comodity & that a ship 
is w''^ all convenient speede to bee set fourth, & fraited 
w''' wheate, for the fetching in of such foraine comodi- 
ties as wee stand in need of, it is therefore ordered, 
that after the last day of this present 8^'' month no 
baker, ordinary keeper, or other person, shall bake to 
sell, or set to sale, any bread or cakes made of wheate 
meale, or wherein any wheate meale shalbee put, 
upon paine to forfeit double the valewe thereof And 
the cunstables of every towne are hearby required to 
see that this order bee observed, & that they shall 
make seizure of all such bread so set to sale, & dis- 
tribute the same to the poore." [Court Records, 
Oct. 7, 1 64 1. 

Under this order, the poor had several opportuni- 
ties to taste the dainty loaves of Mr. Stone, for he 
persisted in producing them till the forfeitures made 
such inroads on his profits that he was compelled to 
relinquish the contest. It indeed turned out with 
him much as it has in our day turned out with many 
who have against law persisted in selling intoxicating 
liquors — not so much as relates to Boston, perhaps, for 
the humane people there have been chary of interfering 
with the honest traffic. There was, however, a provi- 
sion that it should " bee lawfull for any to make or 
sell any biskit of wheate meale for the use of ships." 
And under this, Mr. Stone long continued to exercise 
his skill on ship-bread. 

We cannot better close on this topic than by giving 
a brief account of the result of the following singular 

20 



306 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

though eminently judicious Court order which was 
passed not long after the order last quoted : 

" Y"= Co'te ordered y' a prize of 5''- bee p*^ to y^ maid 
or houscwyfe y' shall make & send in y^ best sample 
of bread, by y^ 12 of y^ next moneth, noe wheate 
meale being us^." [Pinion's Journal. 

The purpose of this order was to improve the 
making of bread generally, and to show what accept- 
able an article could be produced without the use 
of wheat. It excited great emulation among the ladies 
of Boston. The order was not limited as to territory. 
But the country dames found difficulties in the way 
of striving for the prize, though a good number entered 
the list. The exhibition day was evidently a day of 
great interest and great expectations, and appears to 
have drawn together a large collection of people from 
all quarters and all classes. But let us give Mr. 
Pinion's graphic account of the proceedings : 

" W^ divers boards taken from y^ back side of y* 
building, wee made a spatious table in y' middest 
of y"^ Co'te roome floore, whereon y^ woemen sett 
fourth y^ dainty loafs ; and a most pretious show did 
they make. Som were bro* in baskitts, som on tren- 
chers, som on platters and in pans, and som on 
squares of clean hemlock barque ; and many were 
begirt w*^' flow''s and green twigs. And all were so 
neat and cleane y' y^ Gov'"" was forc^ to say, over and 
over againe y* hee was well pleas'^, and y* y^ show 
boded m='' good. 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 30/ 

" Som of y« loafs were made of corne meale, som 
of barley, and som of oate meale. And w"^ y^ meale, 
in som was wrought boyl'' pumpkin, and artichoke, & 
dyvers dry^ berries, and other savoury meats. But 
not one loaf of wheate bread was there among y^ 
whole, save that Goodwyfe Stone must needs thrust 
in a big dish of their famous shipp bread, w«='' in sooth 
is m'^^ approved, and sought after even by y^ shipps 
from England. 

" Euery loaf had y^ maker hir name vppon itt, save 
one, w'^'' had a place nigh y^ middest of y^ table, and 
w*^"^ drew y^ eyes of all. Itt was y^ biggest of all, and 
shap'^ like a pearamidd or Indjan lodge. Itt was in 
a curious Indjan baskitt, nestling amid beauteous 
flow''s ; y'= baskitt itself being so richly wrought about 
w^'^ shells and shining stones and wamjDum strings, 
and so fringed around w"^ bright feathers, y' y® Gov""" 
declared itt was of itself a wonderfull show. Butt 
noe one could tell where itt came from, y^ door keeper 
saying y' bee found itt just w'Hn ye doore, early in y® 
morning, and noe one by. Y*^ loafe was made of 
pounded corne, as was surmis'', finer y" any mill 
hearabouts could grinde, and had divers small fruits 
kneaded inn. And itt was so cleaverly bak'^ y' som 
would haue itt y* itt must haue com from M"^ Stone 
his ov". But bee certifyed to y"^ that itt did nott, 
th° bee should bee proud if itt had. M' Gott say'^ att 
once y* itt was y^ work of y'^ devill, and butt a trapp 
and snare — mayhap y^ devill his very sacramental 
bread. And he warned all agaynst tasteing thereof. 
Whereuppon y^ Gov"'' sayd y* if y^ devill made itt bee 
would be right glad to ingage him for a pastry cook ; 



308 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

w"^^ saying brought down m*^^ laughter vpon M"" Gott, 
to his great chagreen. 

" Wh" all y® loafs hadd been bro* in, enow time was 
giuen for y^ woemen & all others to examine y"' & see 
wherein their owne might bee improv'^, and to talk 
over, one w'"^ another, y^ whole matter. Then y^ 
memb''s all stood around, and y chairman w^'' a bigg 
knyfe cutt first one loafe and then another, quicklie 
passing y^ pieces about for to bee examin'^. And all 
smell^, and tasted, and roll*^ fragments in their hands, 
and exercis*^ themselues as they tho* best, till sattis- 
fyed. Then they were call*^ vpon, one by one, to give 
in their judgments as to w'=^ sh^ take y^ prize. And 
euery one agreed y* y^ noble loafe in y^ Indjan baskitt 
sh^ bee y^ one. 

" Butt noe body c'^ tell who bro' y^ same, till y^ New 
Towne memb' sayd y* comeing in earlie, by y^ light 
of y^ moone he descried an Indjan, w"^'^ hee took to 
bee Arrow John, dodging about neare y® Howse, in 
y^ shadow of y^ trees, and haueing something in his 
hands m*^'^ in size like y® baskitt and loafe befoar them. 
And hee surmis"^ y' y^ offering they all soe m^"" won- 
dered att, was y^ handiworke of his dafter Sunny 
Wave, who hee had heard M*" Eliot say was marvel- 
lous in prepareing meats. Some of y^ dames would 
not believe y' an Indjan girle could soe outdoe y"" all, 
and sayd y* itt sh'^ bee truely known, y' shee made 
y'^ bread befoar y^ prize was giuen to hir. Som one 
saying y' Arrow John had butt then pass^ downe 
y^ roade hee was sought for and presently bro* inn ; 
and being certify"^ how matters stood, with m^'* pride 
declar'^ y' y^ loafe was indeed Sunny Wave hir make, 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 3O9 

whereto Captain Keayne w^ bear testimony, as shee 
made it in his kitchen. They being all sattisfy'^, y^ 
chief was bidden to send his dafter to y^ Gov"'' for 
y^ prize. 

"All agreed y' m* good came of ye show ; and wee 
haue had aboundance of good bread ev"" since. God 
bee prais*^ for our good bread and good preaching; 
and may wee ev'' haue enow of both, to y^ sattisfying 
of our poore starving bodys and soules. Amen." 

Thus early was the important art of bread making 
attended to, in Boston. And " Boston bread " soon 
attained an enviable reputation ; a reputation which 
has been maintained to this day. And wo be to the 
abandoned wretch who shall be the first to give way 
to the temptation to tarnish that estimable reputation. 

Extravagance in food received the reprehension 
of the Court at an early period. The making of good, 
wholesome bread, as we have seen, was encouraged. 
But rich cakes and fancy breads were held in high dis- 
favor ; chiefly, no doubt, on account of the cost. The 
following order, passed two years before the admoni- 
tion to Mr. Stone, is the only sample of legislation on 
the subject that can now be given : 

" It is ordered, also, that no person shall sell any 
cakes or buns, either in the markets or victualling 
houses, or elswheare, vpon paine of x-^- fine ; provided 
that this order shall not extend to such cakes as shal- 
bee made for any buriall, or marriage, or such like 
speciall occation." [Court Records, Nov, 20, 1637, 



3IO III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

Still another kind of Wholesome Provisions which 
received the attention of the Court was that which 
related to " braverie of apparrall," and other personal 
decorations. And to that, for a short time, we must 
direct attention. Mr. Pinion remarks : 

" Y^ Co''te must needes keepe passing orders about 
braverie in apparrall, weareing of long haire, and big 
boots, y^ cutt of garments, and such like, till manie 
do grievously complaine, y* they haue noe libertie 
of their owne bodys, wh' they shall eate, wh^ they 
shall drincke, or wh' they shall putt on. [Pinion's 
Journal. 

Much discussion has been held and will no doubt 
be held in all future time as to the expediency or 
propriety of any legislative body undertaking to limit 
the taste and personal expenditures of individuals, or 
regulate any of the smaller matters of the domestic 
economy. 

People must differ in these things, for they are 
endowed with different tastes, desires, and propensi- 
ties — loves, hopes, and fears. And so long as there 
is nothing criminal manifested, why not allow the 
largest liberty ? Example is something, to be sure ; 
but are not moral restraints better than legal, in these 
matters .-' Some are naturally generous, others cov- 
etous ; some industrious, others indolent ; some neat, 
others slovenly ; some refined, others gross ; some 
proud, others humble ; some amiable, others waspish. 
And again : some love beef, others mutton ; some 
admire long hair, others short ; and so on, through 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 31 1 

an endless catalogue. And it seems unreasonable 
to attempt to compel all to conform to one rule. 
What to a parsimonious mind would seem extrava- 
gance might to a liberal one seem the very reverse. 
And while one has no aspirations for any thing better 
than delving on for the sake of gaining riches to hoard 
up, his neighbor may pity his mean infatuation, and 
strive for himself to gain those higher enjoyments 
which are only attainable through virtuous principles 
and mental cultivation. The delver might consider 
twelve hours too short a day for manual labor, while 
the other might deem eight hours too long. 

But right or wrong, the General Court did at an 
early day, attempt to regulate the domestic and per- 
sonal affairs of the settlers in a way that would at 
this day occasion some loud scolding, to say the least. 
To them, however, these concerns commended them- 
selves as of leading importance. They were founding 
a new community, and in their experimental adjusting 
of the parts, were naturally anxious and curious in 
details. Some of the sumptuary laws of the Colony 
which are by most people passed over as only worthy 
of being perused for amusement, really furnish matter 
worthy of serious pondering. And it may be fairly 
questioned whether the General Court at the present 
day, though it does up the thing in a rather more 
genteel way, is not constantly interfering with affairs 
of a mere private character, which would much better 
regulate themselves. And it might be further ques- 
tioned whether a season closes without the passage of 
acts which if carefully considered in all their bearings 
would not appear quite as absurd as any we shall 



312 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

quote from the ancient records. But it should be 
constantly borne in mind that what may appear inap- 
propriate and ridiculous at one time, may at another 
seem fit and reasonable. 

The chief purpose of the following order, so far as 
it relates to apparel, seems to have been to prevent 
extravagance. But the wearing of long hair must 
have been prohibited from another cause ; and I sup- 
pose that was, its being deemed immodest and hea- 
thenish. In the absence of some reason beyond 
supposed immodesty, we do not see why they might 
not as well have passed an order forbidding people to 
scratch their own heads. But the law evidently failed 
to extinguish the dishonored custom, for in 1649 the 
Governor and Assistants signed a protest against the 
then prevailing custom of wearing long hair, " after 
the manner of ruffians and barbarous Indians." 

" The Court, takeing into consideracon the greate, 
superfluous, & vnnecessary expences occacioned by 
reason of some newe & imodest fashions, as also the 
ordinary weareing of silver, golde & silke laces, girdles, 
hatbands, &c., hath therefore ordered that noe person, 
either man or woman, shall hereafter make or buy 
any apparell, either wollen, silke, or lynnen, with any 
lace on it, siluer, golde, silke, or thread, vnder the 
penalty of forfecture of such cloathes, &c. Also, that 
noe person either man or woman, shall make or buy 
any slashed cloathes, other than one slash in each 
sleeue, and another in the backe ; also, all cutt works, 
imbroydered or needle worke capps, bands, & rayles, 
are forbidden hereafter to be made or worne, vnder 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 313 

the aforesaid penalty ; also all golde or silver girdles, 
hattbands, belts, ruffs, beav"" hatts, are prohibited to 
be bought & worne hereafter, vnder the aforesaid 
penalty, &c. Moreouer it is agreed, if any man shall 
iudge the weareing of any the forenamed particulars, 
newe fashions, or longe haire, or any thing of the like 
nature, to be vncomely, or prejudicall to the comon 
good, & the party offending reforme not the same 
vpon notice giuen him, that then the nexte Assistant, 
being informed thereof, shall haue power to binde the 
party soe offending to answer it att the nexte Courte, 
if the case so requires ; provided & it is the meaneing 
of the Court that men and women shall haue liberty to 
weare out such apparell as they are nowe provided of, 
(except the imoderate greate sleeues, slashed apparell, 
imoderate greate rayles, longe wings, &c.)" [Court 
Records, Sept, 3, 1634. 

Under the operation of the " forfecture " clause, 
quite a store of finery seems to have accumulated on 
the hands of the official at Boston into whose custody 
the forfeited articles went. And there is an account 
of a crazy woman, who, in ransacking about, one 
Sunday morning, lit upon the place of deposit, and 
not being able to resist the opportunity to make a 
sensation among the fashionables, proceeded at once 
to array herself in the most extraordinary manner. 
Gold bands and gay ribbons adorned her head, which 
also bore an enormous embroidered cap, from beneath 
which dangled tails of divers colored hair, reaching 
half way down her back. Slashed sleeves, which she 
had ruthlessly torn from a rich dress, encased her 

N 



314 JII- THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

arms. A broad silver girdle encircled her waist. A 
pair of scarlet silk gloves, glittering with golden stars, 
were upon her hands. And upon her feet she drew 
a pair of men's boots, of enormous size, all gayly 
ornamented with figures and stitching of yellow and 
red and green, the pointed toes turning up more than 
half an ell. It was wonderful how she managed even 
to walk in such a harness. But off she strode, with 
arms swinging and head proudly erect, straight for 
the meeting-house. Daintily lifting her skirts suffi- 
ciently high to afford a glimpse of her gold-wrought 
garters, she sped along, and eluding the vigilance 
of the sexton, suddenly as an apparition appeared in 
the midst of the congregation. Looking about, she 
piped out " Ay, make broad your phylacteries ! Fash- 
ion before godliness ! " Then, happening to cast her 
eyes upon the up-staring boot toes, she added in a 
still louder voice, " Toes up for dancing ! Fun before 
preaching ! " 

The old men opened their drowsy eyes, and the 
young folk began to twitter. The minister stood 
aghast. But the pompous old tything man, having a 
responsibility in the matter, was instantly on his feet. 
Irreverently exclaiming " I'll broad phil-hactery you, 
you wild bedlamite ! " he sprang toward her with a 
readiness evincing a determination to do his whole 
duty, which in this case he had a good relish for, as 
she had continued for a long time to hold him up as 
a mark for unmeasured lingual abuse, and had even 
once got him into the stocks by so provoking him 
that he knocked her over a log. She perceived his 
purpose, as he started toward her, and adroitly elud- 



WHOLESOME TROVISIONS. 315 

ing his grasp, rushed up one aisle and down another, 
her newly-donned finery flaunting in the faces of the 
amused worshipers, right and left. He pursued with 
all his might, puffing, and limping with his lame leg. 
But if he was a natural cripple, she had made herself 
an artificial one by the unwieldy boots she had equip- 
herself with ; and so the race was about equal. At 
every interv^al when she could gain breath, she would 
shriek out some venomous slander or damaging truth 
touching her pursuer, which stimulated him to still 
more energetic effort. And had it not been for the 
sanctity of the time and place, no doubt the parties 
would have been spurred on still further by partisan 
plaudits and cheers. 

And so she led him on in an exciting chase about 
the house, till at length the open door, lying in their 
route, she dodged out, and sped off, up the lane, he 
still pursuing ; the two presenting rather an excep- 
tionable spectacle for holy time. How long the race 
would have continued, or where it would have led to, 
no one can tell, had it not been brought to an abrupt 
termination by his hitting his foot against a stump 
and precipitating himself violently forward, his head 
dashing into a cluster of sturdy young oaks that had 
sprung up from the stump of their departed mother. 
They readily separated for the ingress of the head, 
but spitefully closed up as soon as it was there, and 
obstinately refused to yield for its egress. And there 
he was, as firmly held as ever poor wight in the pil- 
lory. It was one of those extraordinary accidents 
that will occasionally occur — an illustration of the 
fact that men do sometimes find themselves suddenly 



3l6 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

and by most unexpected means in very tight places. 
He gave a shriek, which caused the woman to turn 
around. In a moment she seemed to comprehend 
his misfortune ; and then all her womanly symathies 
were excited. She hastened to him and endeavored 
to release him from his strange imprisonment ; but 
her strength was insufficient, as it needed that he 
should be lifted bodily. He was simply a prisoner, 
however, suffering no particular torture. Yet he was 
completely in the power of his old adversary, and did 
not know what insane promptings might lead her to 
do. She however manifested nothing but kindly 
feeling, and as she could not extricate him tried to 
make him comfortable where he lay. But looking 
down upon his old crippled leg, her curiosity became 
uncontrollably excited. She had derisively imitated 
the locomotive vagaries of that hampered limb many 
and many a time, at the street corners, to the edifi- 
cation of mirthful boys and chagrin of its owner. It 
was now in her power ; but she only stooped down, 
gently removed the shoe and stocking, and contem- 
plated it in all its withered proportions. Then she 
felt of it, tracing the sinews along the leg and slowly 
working the toes, he lying quietly all the while, prob- 
ably deeming it safest to make no motion that might 
cause excitement. Having satisfied her curiosity, and 
apparently solved a question that had for years dis- 
turbed her dreams, she carefully drew on the stocking 
and replaced the shoe. Then she arose, and without 
uttering a word, hastened off for assistance, presently 
returning with a couple of neighbors. 

The prisoner was soon released. And as he arose 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 317 

to his feet, her excitement returned in all its vigor, 
and she darted off at the top of her speed, though 
none pursued. 

After this adventure a more safe depository for the 
confiscated toggery was speedily procured. It does 
not appear whether the articles so surreptitiously 
obtained by the insane woman were ever recovered, 
excepting the big boots, which were picked up in the 
road, she having kicked them off early in her out-door 
flight. 

Under the clause which allowed such as were 
already possessed of the proscribed articles, the privi- 
lege of wearing them out, many continued to appear 
in peacock attire, till the last, being very careful in 
repairing. Indeed the fable of the boy's jacknife had 
many illustrations. 

It may be a wonder with some, how any, in that 
day of limited means and small skill, could obtain 
such rich apparel. Of course it was chiefly import- 
ed ; some they brought with them, and some was 
sent over by adventurous speculators, in an unfin- 
ished condition, to be further wrought here. A little 
lace was made by hand, and some embroidery. No 
doubt much time, in the aggregate, was wasted by 
the young ladies, over fancy work. And it was not a 
matter that could be viewed without grief by the 
authorities set to watch the interests of a community 
circumstanced as this then was ; a community where- 
in it was necessary that all should do their utmost in 
some useful avocation. Our time presents a very 
different aspect of affairs. But it may not be imper- 



3l8 in. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

tinent to ask if young ladies now do not occasionally 
waste an hour, that they might more enjoyably spend 
in some beneficial labor. Nay, are there not those 
who never try to do a useful thing during their whole 
lives ? No, indeed ; that is foul slander ! 

A few years after the last-quoted enactment, the 
matter of dress was again before the Court. Short 
sleeves, great breeches, knots of ribbon, and other 
enormities quite as worthy of reprehension had ap- 
peared, to the great scandal of the rulers. 

It will not probably be deemed entirely unprofitable 
if we here briefly detail, in further illustration of our 
subject, an incident that occurred in the experience 
of Nippy Curlup, the tailor, who was at this time 
vegetating in Boston, but who was the same individ- 
ual mentioned on page 233, as having been so unce- 
remoniously submerged by Arrow John in the tub 
of blue dye at Mr. Armitage's tavern. 

This Nippy Curlup was a little crook-backed fellow 
whose shop was the front room of a shabby dwelling, 
which stood on the west side of the Roxbury road. 
It was near the rail fence that ran across the neck, 
from water to water, on the boundary line between 
the two towns. There was a good deal of speculation, 
by the way, as to the original purpose of this fence. 
Some thought it was put there to keep off the Rox- 
bury people ; but if that were the object it must have 
been expected that it would be accomplished by way 
of hint rather than barricade ; though why they should 
want to keep off their best customers and best pro- 
viders, is unexplained. It was there for no such 
purpose, but no doubt simply to keep off the Roxbury 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 319 

wolves. True, one would think that an open rail 
fence would afford but slight protection against the 
incursions of such depraved though ingenious brutes ; 
yet it was a fact well known to the settlers, that 
wolves and even foxes were extremely shy of rail 
fences, probably taking them to be some kind of 
traps. It took the unsophisticated brutes of America 
a long while to fathom the ingenious devices of the 
European settlers for their destruction. There are 
the crows, who sustain a high reputation in the world 
for sagacity ; they to this day, dare not set foot in a 
cornfield around which is drawn a simple thread at 
a height of half a score feet. 

There was an evil reputation hanging about the 
neighborhood in which Mr. Curlup was located. It 
was reputed to have been the scene of divers witch 
revels — the devilish arts of witchcraft, as is well 
known, having been vehemently suspected long before 
the terrible events of 1692 ; indeed from the first 
days of the settlement. Cloven foot-prints had been 
discovered in the alder copse just back of the house. 
And direful smells were sometimes encountered by 
those who had occasion to pass that way, particularly 
on a summer night, when the tide was low. And 
some affirmed that on warm evenings, when in the 
vicinity they had frequently heard bullets whiz about 
their ears ; and not hearing the report of any guns, 
they concluded that the mysterious skirmishers must 
be devils. 

Nippy was one dull evening, just after dark, seated 
in artistic fashion on his shop board, working away 
with all his might upon a modest wedding garment 



320 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

which his fellow-townsman, Philip Grosse, who was to 
be married in a few days, had ordered. He had more 
than one reason for being anxious to get the work 
done in time ; the pay would be ample and prompt ; 
and Grosse, being of very impatient temper, would 
not be likely to suffer a disappointment with much 
amiability ; indeed on the bare suggestion, when the 
measure was taken, that the time was too short for 
such a piece of work, a threat was uttered by the 
expectant groom that the tailor did not care to have 
executed. 

So away the little tailor worked. And as industry 
and anticipated reward make cheerful, he ventured 
upon a timid whistle, notwithstanding certain depress- 
ing reflections and apprehensions conjured up by the 
loneliness of the place and dreariness of the hour. His 
single little tallow-dip was not very successful in its 
combat with the gloom, though it struggled bravely, 
flaring out and nodding its curling black plume, and 
dissolving in greasy tears when the friendly offices 
of the snuflers were withheld. But Nippy was too 
busy to attend to minor affairs. His needle now 
buried itself in the tortuous seam and now gleamed 
aloft, often with such energy that his knuckles struck 
against the adjacent partition ; but he suffered them 
to knock and knock again, and to bleed, and smart, 
rather than take time to move a few inches off. 

All of a sudden the door opened, and in strode a 
stalwart and piratically habited stranger, with a large 
roll under his arm. He had a heavy grizzly beard, 
long matted hair, and a piece of dirty sail cloth wound 
round his head instead of a cap ; and his gait was 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 321 

rolling, as if he were recently from on shipboard. 
He threw down his bundle upon the shop-board, and 
as he did so his coarse overcoat flared open, and 
discovered a leathern belt in which were thrust two 
or three ugly looking weapons. 

Now Nippy was an ignorant man and one whose 
head was brim-full of all sorts of grim stories of ghosts, 
witchcraft, piracies, and every thing that pertained 
to diabolism. And it seemed a part of his religion to 
believe them all. It was a bad locality for one of his 
cast to locate in. But he was poor, and being allowed 
to occupy the place on easy terms, continued there, 
hoping that better times would come. Hardly a night 
passed without something occurring to disturb ; and 
his arms were so constantly covered with goose-flesh 
that it is a wonder pin-feathers did not appear. 

His first impression on the entrance of his brusque 
visitant was that he had now a supernatural to deal 
with. His whistle ceased and his tongue stiftened. 
But whoever the stranger was it soon became evident 
that he meant business. Before uttering a word, he 
unrolled his bundle, and exhibited materials for a 
garment of the most gorgeous description. Such 
precious stuff had never before been seen in that 
shop ; and the very candle brightened up, in vain 
effort to emulate the sparkling gold. The cloth was 
superb, and the bright colors of the silken ornaments 
were almost dazzling. Nippy's thoughts now fled 
from his dingy shop to the radiant scenes of the 
apocalypse, for the supernatural would work itself into 
his contemplation, in some way. But he was soon 
aroused from any association of the celestial with the 

N* 21 



322 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

individual before him ; for the man called out, in 
stentorian tones and with a rough oath : 

" Nippy Curlup, you shall make me a doublet and 
•breeches of this stuff, and have them done, and well 
done, too, by next Saturday night. That 's the order. 
And if you fail your friends will have to call the 
sexton." 

In vain did the poor tailor, stammering and in 
utter confusion, urge his previous engagement, and 
the great risk he would run of losing custom if he 
failed ; besides the probability of being turned out 
of house and home, as the work was for his landlord's 
son. 

" It is indeed," he meekly continued, " my neighbor 
Grosse his wedding garment. He weds the smart 
young widow Stanpool, as all the town doth know. 
And what would become of me if I failed in the work. 
Be merciful, master, be merciful." 

" Mercy be d — d ! " roared the stranger, " and Phill 
Grosse too. This is for my wedding garment. Now 
measure — measure ! And if the work is not done 
in time, look out for a broken head pretty near your 
shoulders. Come, measure — measure ! " 

With trembling hands the terrified tailor proceeded 
to apply his dirty tape to his customer's ugly propor- 
tions and could not help now and then fancying that 
he discovered a supernatural protuberance or defi- 
ciency ; which discoveries did not greatly tend to 
allay his fears. The work, however, was finally ac- 
complished. 

Then the unwelcome customer stepped so close to 
the tailor that his hot breath made the latter jerk 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 323 

back, and bestowed on him a look of indescribable 
hideousness, mingled with mischievous merriment, 
and ejaculated, in a deep, grum voice that seemed to 
proceed from his body rather than from his lips, 
" Why, how you tremble. Nippy ! What are you 
scared at ? No harm will come to you if you do up 
your work right. But look out for big breakers if you 
do n't. That is my wedding garment ; and I marry 
a princess. There, there, man, go and get something 
to cheer up ! " 

So saying, he threw a ringing silver coin on the 
shop-board and vanished. 

The meditations of the amazed tailor, for the next 
half hour, as he sat alone in his cheerless shop, were 
perplexing in the extreme. The determined manner 
of the stranger led him to fear the worst if he failed 
in completing the work so peremptorily ordered. 
And then there was the coin, which he had ventured 
to clutch as soon as he was alone ; that seemed an 
earnest of some generous reward should he accom- 
plish the work. But he thought, and thought, till he 
was weary of thinking, and then crept off to bed 
without arriving at any conclusion. But once upon 
his sweet husk couch, his weary brain was at rest. 
Drawing about him the ragged tapestry he shut out 
the whole world of tribulation and began to near the 
confines of that land where the prospect is not often 
all dreary. Blessed be he who invented sleep, says 
the transported Panza ; and blessed be he who in- 
vented the bed to sleep on. 

Nippy soon arrived on the neutral ground that 
lies between the countries of the living and the dead. 



324 in. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

and there remained undisturbed till a bright morning 
sun bade him hurry back. And he returned, greatly 
refreshed. Things seemed much cheerier than they 
did when he retired. On a careful calculation he 
found that with some over-work he might satisfy both 
his customers. And determining to lose no time, he 
was crouched upon his bench at an unusually early 
hour. 

He first began upon the garment of the stranger 
and worked away with all his might, refreshing his 
flagging energies by an occasional draught from the 
battered beer tankard that he kept in the little cup- 
board in the wall above his head. The quantity of 
material being ample, he felt an additional incentive 
in the prospect of a liberal amount of cabbage, a kind 
of vegetable that grew under tailors' benches even at 
that early period. So the work went vigorously on. 

By noon of the day appointed, the princely garment 
was completed. And so delighted was Nippy with 
the gorgeous appearance of his handiwork that he 
was almost beside himself. He beckoned in the 
passers-by, bidding them examine and admire. But 
he was sorely puzzled by the questions as to whom it 
belonged. He then hung it upon the lintel, that it 
might flaunt in the breeze and attract the despairing 
gaze of a rival tailor who lived on a hill on the edge 
of the settlement. Indeed he was so elated that he 
wasted in childish capers several hours that should 
have been applied to the work of his other customer. 

But alas for poor Nippy's thoughtlessness. He 
had entirely forgotten a very important matter ; and 
that was the interdiction against the manufacture 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 325 

of all such abominations of finery. The fact of its 
being a grave offence did not once occur to him 
during the whole time he was employed on the work. 
But he was awakened to a lively sense of his trans- 
gression, just as night was closing in, by the consci- 
entious constable, who happened that way in search 
of a stray goat. The vigilant official observed the 
audacious display with amazement as well as indigna- 
tion, for it seemed like a rank defiance of authority. 
He grasped, and was in the very act of twitching the 
garment down, when he was sent staggering into the 
depths of a quagmire on the other side of the road, 
by a violent blow between the eyes. It was pretty 
dark, though for some minutes there seemed to be 
ten thousand stars shooting about his head. They 
were not sufficient, however, to enable him to discover 
who or what had so assailed him. He forever re- 
mained in the dark about that. Sometimes he thought 
it might have been lightning ; but rather on the whole 
concluded that it must have been one of the evil 
spirits who had so long alarmed the neighborhood. 
Curlup had no doubt in the matter. He was fright- 
ened almost to death, at the time, and afterward 
declared that as the blow was struck he saw a great 
grinning head, wrapped about with sail-cloth, near 
the doorway, but no body. He was so terrified that 
he sank down in a swoon, and knew nothing till the 
neighbors raised him up. As soon as he had recov- 
ered himself he was again frightened almost out of 
his senses by what seemed to be cold, slimy reptiles 
crawling down his back. He flew about, and as 
quickly as possible tore off his clothes ; when, to his 



326 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

Utter consternation, out rolled two or three glistening 
gold coins. Either was more than sufiEicient to pay 
for all his work on the garment, twice over, and leave 
an ample balance to square all accounts with con- 
science, and reasonably indemnify for his bodily and 
mental suffering. What became of the gorgeous 
apparel that had caused such a stirring episode in 
his history, he never knew ; and though his fertile 
imagination worked upon the problem for the remain- 
der of his life, he was unable to reach a satisfactory 
conclusion, till just before his exit a light broke upon 
him, and he timidly suggested that the unknown 
assailant of the constable, was, perhaps, the same 
mysterious customer who brought the stuff, and that 
he, as owner, had taken away the garment ; a conclu- 
sion supported by its never being afterward called for. 

In 1639, the Court made an earnest appeal to the 
churches to do something for the suppression of the 
evil ; something for the " present reformation of imod- 
erate great sleeves, and some other superfluities, w'^'' 
may easily bee redressed w^'out much prejudice, or 
the spoile of garments, as imoderate great breeches, 
knots of ryban, broad shoulder bands, and rayles, 
silk races, double ruffes, & cuffes, &c." 

The grand jurors were then instructed to admonish 
all offenders in the several towns where they resided, 
as they should " have occation & opportunity." 

These passages show how serious a matter that 
" intolerable bravery in dress " was considered, and 
how difficult it was to abate the evil by legislation. 
And the partial turning of the business over to the 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 32/ 

moral suasion of the churches was an experiment 
gladly resorted to. For a time, success seems in a 
measure to have attended the experiment ; or else, 
despairing of success in that way, they made a bold 
effort in another direction, repealing the restraining 
laws altogether, and leaving the matter to regulate 
itself. This was done in an off-hand way, as follows : 

" It is ordered, that all those former ord'"s made 
about apparrell & lace are hereby repealed." [Court 
Records, Nov. 13, 1644. 

But this did not answer the purpose. It was on 
the principle of a free liquor traffic, in our day. And 
there was more enacting, and repealing, and reenact- 
ing, during a great many years. Sober people were 
scandalized by the manner in which the persons of 
the females were exposed by the demands of some 
of the new fashions ; and the " superstitious ribbons " 
that fluttered on the heads of the belles greatly dis- 
turbed the nerves of the aged and grave. Witness the 
revelations of the following enactment : 

" Notwithstanding the wholesome lawes already 
made by this Court for restreyning excesse in appar- 
rell, yet through corruption in many, and neglect 
of due execution of those lawes, the evill of pride in 
apparrell, both for costljnes in the poorer sort, and 
vajne, new, strainge fashions, both in poore & rich, 
w"* naked breasts and armes, or, as it were pinioned 
w'^ superstitious ribbons both on hajre & apparrell ; 
for redresse whereof, it is ordered by this Court, that 



328 HI. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

the County Courts, from time to time, doe giue strict 
charge to present all such persons as they shall judge 
to exceede in that kinde, and if the grand jury shall 
neglect theire duty herein, the County Court shall 
impose a fine vpon them at their discretion." [Court 
Records, Nov. 3, 1675. 

But the wearing of long hair was one of the most 
distressing of the evil customs, and reformation was 
anxiously sought. Witness the following : 

" Whereas there is manifest pride openly appearing 
amongst us in that long haire, like weomens haire, is 
worne by some men, either their oune or others 
haire made into perewiggs, and by some weomen 
wearing borders of hajre, and theire cutting, curling, 
and imodest laying out theire haire, which practice 
doeth prevayle and increase, especially amongst the 
younger sort, — The Court doeth declare against this 
ill custome as offenciue to them, and divers sober 
christians amongst us, and therefore doe hereby ex- 
hort and advise all persons to vse moderation in this 
respect ; and further doe impower all grand jurjes to 
present to the County Court such persons, whither 
male or female, whom they shall judge to exceede in 
the premisses ; and the County Courts are hereby 
authorized to proceed against such delinquents either 
by admonition, fine, or correction, according to theire 
good discretion. [Court Records, Nov. 3, 1675. 

In view of the foregoing, it may well be asked what 
those venerable legislative fathers would have done 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 329 

had their eyes been afflicted by a sight of those exe- 
crable jute appendages which cumber the heads of the 
ladies of the present day. 

Fashion did bear tyrannous sway in those primitive 
times as well as in after years. She is a despot in all 
times and places, and there are few who have courage 
to stand out against her authority. Many a damsel 
of that day would industriously spin, to procure the 
coveted finery. And it was said of one of the most 
promising young clerks in Boston, that he would 
every year spend nearly half his winter earnings for a 
fashionable embroidered doublet in which to swell on 
pleasant Sundays. And the wretched beau, notwith- 
standing his fair promise, finally came to naught ; for, 
being sick one season, and unable to earn much, he 
purloined from an employer enough to make up the 
deficiency ; and his career was ended in prison. 
Fashion is a great tempter as well as despot and 
lures hosts of young men to destruction ; and young 
women too, as to that matter. Beware of her. 

But" this division of our subject must be brought to 
a close. And in concluding, we will, in as brief a 
manner as is consistent, narrate an occurrence that 
very well illustrates the manner in which the sump- 
tuary laws were frequently enforced. The incident 
happened at an early period ; somewhere, I should 
judge from Mr. Pinion's note, about the year 1642. 

Behold, then, Christine Seaton, one of the fairest 
maids who trip the Boston streets. She is petted and 
indulged in perhaps too many maidenly foibles, but 
has a warm heart and peculiar graces and attractions. 



330 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

See her trip into the meeting-house on a sunny 
Sabbath, her beautiful face all radiant with smiles. 
It is warm, and she comes swinging her little jockey 
hat by the ribbons, the gayest ribbons of all that 
could be found in Mr. Keayne's shop. Perhaps, how- 
ever, the heat is not the only thing that induces her 
to carry her hat rather than wear it ; the curling 
locks of rich auburn, interwoven with silver cords, 
may have added their influence. About her neck are 
double strings of the choicest wampum, the gift of 
Sunny Wave, who has long been one of her most 
cherished associates. And then her snowy bosom, 
lightly spread with silver gauze, how it swells with the 
healthful inspirations of happy life. Her gathered 
dress of crimson damask is flounced about, slashed, 
and trimmed as charmingly as the most fashionable 
needle-woman in the whole town could do the work ; 
and her broad sash, coquetishly knotted at her side, 
glistens and flashes with its golden sprigs. And 
altogether her presence is so attractive that many 
eyes are drawn towards her that should be directed 
elsewhere. And then the dress is just short enough 
to compensate a downward gaze, with glimpses of her 
well-turned ankles, her clocked hose, and delicate little 
slippers with their starry spangles. 

So trips in Christine Seaton, with her elastic step, 
casting here and there a furtive glance from her merry 
hazel eyes. But who is Christine Seaton ? Why, 
she is the ward of Mr. Morton, an old Scotch mer- 
chant who long since retired from active business 
and is living at his ease in Boston. Some say she 
belongs to the ancient line of Scottish Seatons, who 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 33 I 

SO long maintained such lordly rank ; and if so, a 
good deal of pride of character might belong to her 
by inheritance. Very few knew the occasion of her 
being here, for Mr. Morton had no disposition to 
gratify the gossips who endeavored to elicit informa- 
tion on matters with which they had no concern. 
There was much of the brusque Scotch character 
about him, but to his charming ward he was ever 
kind and indulgent. 

Christine had received a polite education, and could 
at any time assume that dignity of manner that repels 
the vulgar and intrusive. Yet her intercourse with 
those about her was cordial, and she loved dearly 
to frolic at the youthful merry-makings. And she 
was never happier than when with Sunny Wave 
clambering the woodland cliffs, or in an Indian skiff 
gliding among the river nooks. Still she loved books, 
especially those that told of Scottish life ; of Scot- 
land's noble sons and daughters ; of sports among 
her ancient lochs and moorlands. And then there 
were the thrilling ballads of her native land ; they 
stirred her to the very soul. 

But I have introduced Christine as tripping into 
the rude sanctuary on a bright summer Sunday. And 
coming in the guise described, is it to be wondered 
at that the devotions of many were disturbed ? Very 
few, whatever may be their pretensions, are insensible 
to the charms of a really beautiful object. The old, 
the young, the rich, the poor — unless it be that widely 
scattered few who are devoid of the common sensibili- 
ties — are all impressible, though, to be sure, in differ- 
ent degrees. And what more beautiful object can be 



■^^2 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

imagined than a fair and sparkling maiden in the full 
glow of health and the buoyancy of bright hopes and 
cloudless spirits. These things being so, then was 
Christine a beautiful object, and then was it arrant 
hypocrisy in some of those twanging old worshipers 
to pretend disgust at her presence. Any way, her 
entrance did produce a marked sensation, and many 
glances were directed towards her. Some of the young 
men even raised themselves on tip-toe, and some 
of the elderly dames set their heads awry to get 
glimpses from the depths of their cavernous bonnets. 

The next day Christine was officially admonished 
against again appearing in such apparel. But for 
some reason the admonition did not have the desired 
effect, though she had never been looked upon as 
willful or disobedient. Was it that her guardian had 
got his Scotch blood up, at what he deemed an un- 
reasonable interference, and counselled disobedience .'* 
Be that as it may, she did, on the very next Sabbath, 
again appear in the sanctuary, bedecked in all her 
finery. And she entered leaning upon the arm of 
Mr. Morton. 

It was known that the admonition had been given, 
and so the astonishment was very great. Sojourn 
Gott, a nephew of Mr. Gott the sanctimonious member 
of the Court before introduced to the reader, and who 
was an acknowledged imitator of his uncle in all his 
over-righteous pretentions, rose in his place, which 
was in a shady corner of the house, and pulling out 
his great tow-cloth handkerchief, pretended to be 
vigorously employing it in its legitimate office, while 
at the same time his great gray eyes were peering 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 333 

over it toward the object of general attraction. His 
head, indeed, was sort of turned in a double sense ; 
for he had long had a sneaking notion of pursuing 
her along the road that leads to the altar matrimonial ; 
we say sneaking, because every thing about him was 
sneaking. What on earth led him to imagine that 
his suit could by any possibility be successful, we are 
unable to tell, unless he considered his pretended 
piety a fair equivalent for her virtues and graces — 
thus making godliness a kind of trafficing commodity. 
It is said, however, that he had large expectations in 
a pecuniary way ; and people so situated are quite 
apt to get a little balloony, overlook their own defi- 
ciencies, and imagine that others will see them as 
they see themselves. And it is lamentable to observe 
how frequently their imaginings are verified. But 
Christine was not a foolish virgin. 

Long before this time, Sojourn had taken occasion 
to apprise Christine of the condition of his internal 
arrangements, and had met with such a rebuft' as 
would have satisfied any reasonable aspirant that he 
might as well consider that account closed. 

The services at the sanctuary were ended. And 
as Christine passed down the green path, as blithe- 
some as if entirely unconscious of having done aught 
to rufiie the most quiet current of events, many an 
old head gave a portentous shake. Sojourn's long 
legs soon brought him to her side, and the contrast 
between them was certainly striking. If the reader 
desires to look upon his picture, he will need but to 
recall what was said a few pages back about his wor- 
thy uncle. That will answer very well for both, as the 



334 III- THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

nephew endeavored to duplicate the uncle, in himself, 
if possible, both in character and personal appearance. 
His garments were excessively ill-shaped, the more 
so, as Nippy Curlup, the tailor, had succeeded in 
giving him a good fit. A queer yoke-fellow enough 
would he have made for Christine. He ogled and 
shambled along about as gracefully as a bullfrog 
might in his attempts at wooing a lady bird. 

It would have been more natural to suppose that 
the purpose of Sojourn was to labor with Christine on 
the vanity of her appearance, than to offer his ad- 
dresses ; and so he hypocritically pretended when he 
received the deserved repulse. 

In half an hour after Sojourn had received the rather 
energetic rebuff from the pretty lips of Christine, he 
was in close consultation with the magistrate, al- 
though it was holy time. The next morning poor 
Christine was summoned before the official, just as 
she was going out on a ramble with Sunny Wave. 
Her little foot came down with rather more emphasis 
than usual, and her rosy lips pouted in a way not the 
most amiable. The Indian girl began to get excited, 
and proposed going for her father, or Mr, Eliot. But 
they prudently sought the direction of Mr, Morton, 
He had no hesitancy in directing her to obey the 
summons, exclaiming, as he brought his broad hands 
together, " Gae alang dafter, gae alang, and I '11 gae 
wi' ye ! " in a voice not overcharged with sweetness. 

Arrived before the magistrate, Mr, Morton's first 
inquiry was as to who had entered the complaint ; 
and reluctantly it came out that they were indebted 
to Sojourn for the compliment. The complaint set 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 335 

forth the enormity of the slashes and points, the 
ribbons and spangles ; but bore with special fervor 
on the curtailments of the dress. And it furthermore 
recited the fact that she had before been admonished. 

Mr. Morton seemed in doubt whether to treat the 
matter with disdain, and defy the magistrate, or take 
a milder course. There is little accomplished, how- 
ever, in attempting to bluff a magistrate, and the 
Scotchman wisely abstained from experimenting in 
that direction. But he could not abstain from be- 
stowing on the absent Sojourn a few left-handed com- 
pliments. 

After a little quiet conference between Christine 
and her guardian, and some questioning of both, by 
the magistrate, the latter vouchsafed a luminous dis- 
quisition on the gravity of the offence, and the reason 
of the restraining laws. And then another admoni- 
tion was given, enforced by a threat of something 
more strongly persuasive if that proved ineffectual. 
They left the august presence, and on the way home 
the pretty head tossed and the pretty lips quivered as 
if every thing had not terminated in the most satis- 
factory manner. 

And now, will it be believed, on the very next Sab- 
bath, that defiant little witch of a Christine appeared 
in the meeting-house, as radiant as ever in her finery, 
again swinging her pretty little French hat by the 
ribbons, in the sauciest way imaginable. This was 
altogether too much for magistratical forbearance, 
though there was such an archness in her impudence 
that it was almost impossible to be downright angry. 
But her offence could not be overlooked. And the 



336 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

very next day a peremptory summons again brought 
her before the magistrate. This time she was re- 
ceived in no very gentle manner. Sojourn was there, 
and a great many others — divers of the young folk 
of both sexes, as well as the elder, for there was an 
undefined idea abroad that fun of some sort might be 
expected. The facts in the case admitted of no denial, 
and as the result of a very brief consideration the 
official announced his judgment to be, that she should 
appear in the meeting-house, on the next lecture day, 
enrobed in all the offensive finery, but with a sheet 
of tow-cloth — sack-cloth, he called it — with a sprink- 
ling of ashes on it, enveloping her whole person, from 
head to foot. And upon the back of this penitential 
covering were to appear, in huge dimensions and 
mournful black, the letters C. M. Finding no such 
punishment as that prescribed by the General Court 
for offences connected with dress, I was at first puz- 
zled to understand what induced the uttering of such 
a sentence, and especially what terrible meaning was 
enwrapped in those cabalistic letters. But it must 
have been that Christine was not proceeded against, 
at this time, for " superstition in dress," but for de- 
spising the authority of the magistrates — the C. M. 
meaning " Contemner of Magistrates." This, as we 
have seen, was a very serious offence ; much more so 
than that for which she had been admonished. 

When the sentence was announced. Sojourn danced 
up, threw aloft his arms, blew with his mouth, whirled 
around, and exhibited sundry other evidences of de- 
straction. But no one could tell whether he was 
frantic with joy or grief; so they did not know 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 337 

whether to be angry or pleased, to pity or applaud. 
Mr. Morton, however, at a venture, seized him around 
the body and carried him into the open air. And as 
he kicked and struggled in the brawny Scotch arms, 
there dropped from his pockets — what .'' why a pack 
of cards, and two or three plugs of tobacco — both 
proscribed articles. 

Christine appeared to be the only one present who 
heard the sentence unmoved. As she calmly with- 
drew, her young friends pressed about her ; and as 
they ardently condoled, and generously scolded, she 
could hardly restrain her tears. Mr. Morton retained 
the mastery over his feelings astonishingly ; but it 
was evident that his mind was vigorously at work. 

The day arrived on which poor Christine was to 
appear in her penitential garb. And as the first bell 
warned of the approach of the lecture hour, she began 
to array herself for the ordeal. It had now become a 
serious matter, and she began gravely to realize the 
increasing weight upon her spirits. Her reason, how- 
ever, taught her that she had committed no real sin, 
nor done any thing that would leave an enduring 
stigma upon her fair name ; a fact which tended 
greatly to support her natural fortitude. There was 
little doubt in any mind that Sojourn Gott was at the 
root of her tribulation, and many expletives, guiltless 
of sweetness, were cast upon him. 

The last hour was waning. The C. M., in deepest 
black, and of gigantic proportions, had been received 
from the authorities, and at sight of them her courage 
might have failed had she not been informed that 
divers of her young friends had determined to appear 
o 22 



338 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

by her side, in the meeting-house, Hke bride's-maids 
at a marriage. Mr. Morton grew very uneasy, walk- 
ing back and forth, and frequently going to the door 
and gazing up and down the road. His countenance 
grew more and more lowering, and he seemed every 
moment to become less and less capable of curbing 
the storm within. 

With palpitating heart and trembling hand Chris- 
tine proceeded to affix the odious letters, and was 
not entirely surprised at herself, as she pursued the 
labor, to find that her eyes began to gently overflow. 
But she finished the work and was just donning the 
strangely ornamented vesture, when from the window 
she perceived Sunny Wave hastening toward the 
house. Without any ceremony she entered, and in- 
formed Christine that she had been to see Mr. Eliot, 
and that he and the Governor were on the way to 
meet her and Mr. Morton. And accordingly the two 
dignitaries presently arrived. 

The three gentlemen retired to another apartment 
and remained a short time in earnest conference. 
When they returned, they found the two girls in a 
brisk little quarrel. It appeared that Christine had 
so much dread of the part she was about to act that 
the Indian girl was deeply touched, and quietly asked 
to have the drapery of disgrace placed on her, that 
they all might see how it looked. Her simple request 
was of course readily complied with. But when it 
was once on she utterly refused to have it taken off, 
declaring that she would go and stand in the meet- 
ing-house all day " if um want." And no persuasion 
or threat of Christine could induce her to disrobe. 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 339 

The worthy men were greatly moved by the really 
chivalrous conduct of the dusky little heroine, though 
they found it difficult to restrain their mirth on seeing 
her frisk about thus arrayed, her Indian blood so 
astir that her eyes flashed and her tongue rapidly 
uttered denunciations, right and left, in a mixed 
torrent of English and Indian, as if neither alone 
were sufficient for her stormy purpose. Mr. Eliot, 
however, soon succeeded in calming her. And then 
he began to reason with her on the great wrong of an 
innocent person receiving the punishment due to the 
guilty. At this she turned upon him in a way that 
he least expected, a way by which he was utterly 
confounded. She asked him, in her simple manner, 
if he had not taught her and her father that that very 
thing was " much right ;" and then went on so to ex- 
plain as to convince him that she had perfectly com- 
prehended his teachings on the great doctrine of the 
atonement, teachings which he had not before dared 
to hope she understood. Taken thus by surprise, he 
did not know what to say. But the business in hand 
admitted of no delay. She was now persuaded to 
divest herself of the unseemly robe and wait events. 

Then there was a little whispering among the three 
gentlemen, in which there appeared to be something 
revealed by Mr. Morton touching the family connec- 
tions of Christine, at which the others were greatly 
surprised, and the Governor turned from them with 
the remark " Well, well, this must go no further ; 
our clemency must interpose." 

Then he kindly took Christine by the hand, saying, 
with great solemnity " Daughter, thou hast indeed 



340 III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

followed too devotedly thine own head ; but I would 
not that thy young spirit should be broken by an 
indignity put upon thy noble blood, for a broken 
spirit is a grievous burden to be borne. Yet, way- 
ward daughter, thou must, indeed, take heed to thy 
future steps, lest, peradventure, they lead into still 
more troublous ways. Come, come, put on thy mod- 
est apparel and go with me to the sanctuary, and I 
will say to those who have met to witness thy dis- 
grace what may be meet for the occasion if not for 
thy justification. And I dare answer for thee that 
thou wilt no more affront the Court's express behest. 
May God give thee strength in future to avoid offence 
against proper decorum in the place where His honoi* 
dwelleth. Come, come, it is high time we were away, 
for the lecture bell hath already ceased its call." 

Little did Christine expect such a termination of her 
hour of tribulation. With the most heart-felt thanks 
she put herself under the guidance of the Governor 
and with him proceeded to the meeting-house. The 
expectant throng were greatly surprised to see her 
enter in such company, instead of appearing in her 
penitential habit. The services had not commenced. 
And the Governor, after leading her to a retired seat, 
stepped in front of the pulpit, and announced the 
pardon of the fair offender, for reasons which to him 
had been made to appear abundantly sufficient but 
which from delicacy he forbore there to state. And 
then he went on to observe that lest the magistrate 
should suffer aspersion for her condemnation under 
the law, he desired to bear witness that he approved 
of his proceedings, and hoped that all others who 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 34 1 

were inclined to transgress sucli wholesome orders 
would take warning before they found themselves in 
such a straight as might compel them to beg for exec- 
utive clemency, a boon which in future would be but 
sparingly granted. And then, greatly to the wonder 
of Christine, he closed by pronouncing an especially 
contrite and satisfactory acknowledgment, as coming 
from her own lips. But the good man was evidently 
determined to set things right, all round — to vindi- 
cate the law and its administration, as well as his 
own action. 

The remission of Christine's sentence to the degrad- 
ing punishment gave unbounded gratification to most 
present, for she was a sort of pet, and they would no 
doubt have signified their delight by congratulations 
and cheers had the time and place permitted. 

Sojourn Gott was not in the house, though in the 
neighborhood ; and he was not in the house because 
he could not withdraw his feet from the stocks. The 
cards and tobacco had effectually done his business ; 
and there was no executive clemency for him. Mr. 
Morton and Christine passed by him on their way 
home, but the beneficent girl, who had just had her 
own transgression forgiven, was far from exulting 
over the discomfiture and distress of her persecutor. 

The Wholesome Provisions of the Court, also, as a 
matter of course, extended to the wages of mechan- 
ics and laborers, and also to the profits of shopkeep- 
ers, and kindred matters. And a few of these must 
be given, or our picture will be incomplete. 

A great amount of discussion has of late been had 



342 in. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

in the legislatures of New England, and indeed in 
divers of the other states, yea, and incidentally in the 
congress of the United States, regarding the hours 
of work for mechanics and laborers. But it often 
seems as if law makers forget that there are some 
things which will be sure to regulate themselves — 
and do it well — if they are not meddled with by law. 

Supposing eight hours are made a legal day's work. 
Would you prohibit one from working ten hours, if he 
wished to ? And if he worked ten ought he not to 
be paid more than for eight, other things being equal ? 
You would not make laws to encourage laziness or 
defeat industry, would you ? And as in the absence 
of law, one may agree to work six, eight, or ten hours 
a day, and require pay accordingly, why not leave 
him at liberty to do it ? Why not, in short, allow 
each to do the best he can for himself Every one 
knows best — or ought to — what his capacity for 
labor is ; and he especially must best know what his 
inducement to it are. In the parable of the vineyard 
we see developed a very different principle from that 
running in some of the proposed measures of the 
present day. 

That Americans, as a general thing, have in former 
years worked more than was good for them, physic- 
ally, is perhaps true. But the people of this time can 
hardly be charged with great guilt in that particular. 
In new countries much labor is required to bring 
things into a comfortable condition. And our blessed 
country would now have been immeasurably behind 
what it is, had it not been for the well-directed and 
persistent industry of our good forefathers. That the 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 343 

accumulation of property is the chief incentive to 
industry will not be denied. When the purpose is to 
provide a home for one's family, it is laudable ; but 
when it is merely to hoard up money, or to outshine 
a neighbor, its worthiness is not so apparent. 

There has hardly been an interval during our whole 
history when some question relating to labor has not 
been under discussion, in the General Court or out, 
among politicians. And the very fact that no princi- 
ples have been settled, proves the inability of legisla- 
tion to beneficially dispose of such matters. Do what 
you may in the form of a requirement, you infringe 
some natural right of some party ; and the one whose 
right suffers, sees, by his own light, that the interfe- 
rence was not demanded by any public necessity. 

You cannot equalize what the Creator never intend- 
ed should be equal. As before substantially remarked, 
some men are more active, diligent, and skillful than 
others, and do more and better work in a given time ; 
some are more frugal than others, and need much less 
for their support ; some are ambitious to be rich and 
make a display, while others care nothing about riches 
or display ; some have no conception of moral or 
mental discipline, and strive only to satisfy bodily 
cravings. And a law that aims to equalize them all, 
aims to do more than the law of heaven itself 

It would be difficult to give a satisfactory reason 
why any man of common capacity should not be 
allowed to fix his own price for his own labor, and 
determine for himself how many hours of the twen- 
ty-four he will devote to labor ; others, of course, 
being free to hire him or not, as might suit their 



344 m- "^^E WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

necessities. Why, every man has a natural right to 
do thus. But the wrong comes when one undertakes 
to say what others, employers or employed, must or 
must not do. He may do as he pleases for himself, 
but has no right to compel others to toe his line. 

Here is one of the very early orders, emanating 
from the Court of Assistants : 

"It is ordered that maister carpenters, sawers, ma- 
sons, clapboard-ryvers, brickelayers, tylers, joyners, 
wheelewrights, mowers, &c., shall not take aboue 2s. 
a day, findeing themselues dyett, & not aboue i^d. a 
day if they haue dyett found them, vnder the penalty 
of v^- both to giver & receaver, for euery day that 
there is more giuen & receaued. Also, that all other 
inferior workemen of the said occupacons shall have 
such wages as the constable of the said place, & 2 
other inhabitants, that hee shall chuse, shall appoynct. 
Also, it is agreed, that .... Master taylours 
shall not take aboue I2d. a day, & the inferior sorte 
not aboue 8^., if they be dyeted, vnder the aforesaid 
penalty ; & for all oth'' worke they doe att home, pro- 
porconably, & soe for other worke that shalbe done 
by the greate by any other artificer. Further it is 
ordered, that all workemen shall worke the whole 
day, allowing convenient tyme for loode & rest." 
[Court Records, Oct. i, 1633. 

Stringent orders, too, were passed to prevent what 
was regarded as extortion in traders, by taking too 
large a profit on their goods, and for the regulation 
of traflfic in G:eneral. An account has been elsewhere 



WHOLESOME PROVISIONS. 345 

given of the serious difificulties in which Captain 
Keayne, long a noted shopkeeper in Boston, became 
involved, both with the civil and church authorities, 
and the heavy punishment and earnest admonition 
he received for taking too large a profit on some arti- 
cles sold by him. And it would, without doubt, be 
beneficial for some of the virtuous traders of this 
day, as well out of Boston as in, to ponder a little 
upon the lessons developed in that account ; and if 
they truly follow the honest teaching, I dare say 
their customers may also be benefited. 

The "oppression" of the shopkeepers appears to 
have continued a long time, for more than forty years 
after the first order on the subject, the General Court 
found it expedient to enact as follows : 

" Whereas there is oppression in the midst of us, 
not only by such shopkeepers and merchants who set 
excessive prizes on their goods, but also by mechan- 
icks and day labourers, who are dayly guilty of that 
evil, for redress whereofif, & as an adition to y'' law, 
title Oppression, itt is ordered by this Court, that 
any person that judgeth himself oppressed by shop- 
keepers or merchants in setting excessive prizes on 
their goods, haue heerby liberty to make theire com- 
plaint to the grand juro''s, or otherwise by petition to 
the County Court imediately, who shall send to the 
person accused, and if the Court, vpon examination, 
judge the person complayning injuried, they shall 
cause the ofifendo'' to returne double the ouerplus, or 
more then the aequal price, to the injured person, and 
also impose a fine on the ofifendo''s at the discretion of 
o * 



34^ III. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORKS. 

the Court ; and if any person judge himself oppressed 
by mechanicks and day laborers, they may make com- 
plaint thereof to the selectmen of the towne, who 
if vpon the examination doe find such complaint just, 
hauing respect to the quality of the pay, and the 
length or shortness of y^ day labour, they shall cause 
the offender to make double restitution to the party 
injured, and pay a fine of double the value exceeding 
the due price." [Court Records, Nov. 3, 1675. 

No further comment is needed respecting this class 
of enactments, for the considerate reader will at once 
perceive how they trench upon what is now counted 
as common liberty. And he will probably conclude 
that however pious and worthy those venerable legis- 
lators were, they yet had but an imperfect conception 
of the true principles of political science. 

Thus have we given a taste of all that appears 
necessary under the title " Wholesome Provisions." 
And though some of the specimens of legislation 
presented may rather be considered unwholesome, for 
modern digestion, the times and circumstances that 
gave rise to them should be well pondered before 
giving judgment against them, as possessing any 
inherent unhealthiness. 



CHAPTER TV. 



THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

UPON so important a matter as the Domestic 
Relations — relations on which so largely de- 
pend the moral, mental, and physical well-being of a 
people — it would of course be expected that the 
watchful and sagacious legislators should early exer- 
cise themselves. And so we find Mr. Pinion saying : 
" M*^'' was don by y*" Co'te to stay y^ manie disorders 
y' might com of permiting y^ vnseasonable betrothall 
of yong men and maidens, and espetially to restrayne 
ill-conditioned marriages ; likewise in y^ way of sep- 
arating such as bee already joyned amiss and may by 
God his lawe bee putt asunder." 

The common law of England regarded marriage as 
a mere civil compact ; but the ecclesiastical invested 
it with peculiar sanctity, though not, like the Catholic 
church, elevating it to the position of a sacrament. 
Now, though it is in truth a mere contract, it is yet 
one of a very peculiar nature, having qualities that 
distinguish it from all other compacts, and making it 
one in which the individuals contracting are by no 
means alone concerned, but in which the community 
at large have a direct interest. And so much do the 
(347) 



348 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

peace of society and the progress of the race depend 
on its continuance, when once entered into, that all 
enlightened people, while awarding to it special privi- 
leges, have rigorously set their faces against its disso- 
lution excepting for the most substantial cause. How 
many good people unthinkingly assume that a man 
and woman, arrived at years of discretion, and agree- 
ing to cast their lots together, have a right so to do, 
and to live unitedly, in the closest connection, so long 
as they find it one of mutual happiness, and then to 
dissolve it when it ceases to be agreeable ; forgetting 
that their duties to offspring and to society at large 
may render separation a great wrong. 

It is undoubtedly true that our laws touching mar- 
riage, divorce, and the domestic relations generally, 
partake largely of the imperfection of all human law. 
And it is no comforting reflection that the legisla- 
tion of late years has not much improved matters. 
As to divorce, especially, it seems as if there might be 
something devised that would better fit particular 
cases — something that would take into account more 
fully the condition of the family, the natural inclina- 
tions of the parties, and their relations to others. All 
general and inflexible laws work more or less hardship 
in particular cases. But individual convenience and 
even rights must sometimes be sacrificed for the 
common good. It has been thought that it would be 
best to have no fixed law on the subject, but leave to 
the legislature or the supreme court, sitting as a high 
court of equity, or even to a jury of honest neighbors, 
the disposal of each case on its merits and its various 
relations. The General Court indeed did, in early 



COURTSHIP. 349 

times, dispose of cases very mucli in tliat way, as will 
appear by orders which we shall presently quote. 
There is unquestionably a vast amount of misery 
endured, which might, under a different order, be 
relieved, and which in fact should be relieved ; for 
there is misery enough in the world, flowing from 
other sources, which is not so susceptible of cure. 
Any person can see instances right around him, in 
which it is perfectly apparent that the knot matrimo- 
nial were better severed ; but yet where no existing 
law will sanction a divorce. It is a little remarkable 
that such great strides as the last few years have 
witnessed should have been taken toward the sever- 
ance of the pecuniary interests of husband and wife — 
thus opening a wide door for family dissensions — and 
yet the dissolution of the connection itself, be allowed 
to remain as difficult as ever. But the very operation 
of the new laws separating the interests of husband 
and wife in regard to property, will, assuredly, sooner 
or later, force a modification of the laws touching 
the marriage contract itself 

Our present purpose is to give a view, imperfect 
though it may be, of the tenor of the early acts of the 
General Court concerning these interesting relations. 
And few subjects rank higher in importance. 

COURTSHIP. 

Were we disposed to be sentimental, opportunity 
for a little indulgence in that vein might be taken 
here at the threshold of the brief discussion of the 
topic first in order in our chapter on the Domestic 



350 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

Relations. The clelicioiis days of Courtship ! Who 
that has experienced them can call them any thing 
but blessed, thrice blessed — sweet, sweet days, with 
just that little acid dash which gives the keenest 
zest — days to which the memory fondly recurs amid 
the most boisterous hours of after life, and rests in 
blissful repose. 

Those forlorn ones, who have never experienced 
the delightsome days, and regard their mystic reali- 
ties as deformed though gilded dreams, dreams that 
for a brief period fool about in youthful brains, and 
then flit away forever, have themselves been but in a 
dull dream, a dream lethean, which has led them, with 
closed eyes and closed hearts, over the most enjoyable 
pass in life ; led them emptily by that font which 
sparkles forth with the most refreshing and animating 
waters that gush any where in life's weary way ; a 
blessed font, flowing alike for rich and poor. 

But we are not going to be sentimental, for in 
considering the ponderous realities of legislative pro- 
ceedings, the wings of sentiment are very likely to be 
heavily clogged. 

Our first quotation will be an order prohibiting the 
irregular winning of the affections of maidens. And 
it will be observed that our good fathers took a very 
decidedly matter of fact view in the premises. 

" Whereas, God hath comitted y^ care & power into 
y^ hands of parents, for y^ disposing of their children 
in marriage, so y* its agst y« rule to seeke to draw 
away y^ affection of yong maydens und"" pretence 
of purpose of marriage, before their parents have 



COURTSHIP. 351 

given way & alowance in y' respect, & whereas it is a 
comon practice in div's places for yong men irregu- 
larly & disorderly to watch all advantages, for their 
evill purposes, to insinuate into y'^ affections of yong 
maydes by coming to y'", in places & seasons un- 
known to their parents, for such ends, w'by much 
evill hath growen amongst us, to y^ dishono'' of God 
& damage of y^ parties ; for prevention whereof, for 
time to come, it is ord'ed, by authority of this Co''te 
y* w* person soev"" from henceforth, shall endeavo"", di- 
directly or indirectly, to draw away y^ affections of any 
mayde in ys iurisdiction und' pretence of marriage, 
before he hath attained lib''ty & allowance fro™ her 
parents or gov'"n''s, or in absence of such, of y^ Co''te 
of y^ shire Win y^ mayde doth inhabite, or of & 
und"" y^ hand of one magistrate, he shall forfeit for 
y^ first offence, 5/. ; for y"^ 2^ offence toward y^ same 
party, 10/. & to be bound to forbeare any furth"" at- 
tempt or proceeding in y' unlawfull designe w''^out or 
agst ye alowance aforesaid ; & for y^ 3^^ ofience (upon 
information to any magistrate by such parent or 
goVn"", being bound to prosecute y^ party,) he shalbe 
comitted to prison, & upon hearing by y^ next Co''te, 
shalbe adiudged to continue in prison untill y^ Co''te 
of Assistants shall see cause to release him." [Court 
Records, Nov. 11, 1647. 

Under this enactment among other cases occurred 
that of Matthew Stanley, who, on the eleventh of 
September, 1649, was convicted at the quarterly court 
in Salem, of unlawfully winning the aftections of a 
daughter of John Tarbox, of Lynn. He was fined 5/. 



352 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

The young woman's parents attended court three 
days, as witnesses, and were allowed six shillings. 

Sometime before this enactment of 1647, however, 
the Court passed orders very much to the same pur- 
pose. And here is the result of a breach of one of 
them : 

" It is ordered, that Joyce Bradwicke shall giue 
vnto Alex : Becke the some of xx-^-, for promiseing 
him marriage w^'^out her ffrends consent, & nowe 
refuseing to performe the same." [Court Records, 
April I, 1633. 

If Joyce did fool Alexander, she probably realized 
that the Court were not fooling with her, though they 
disposed of her case on the first of April. 

Then there was the case of Zadoc Bread and Ama- 
bel Cottleston, in which Sunny Wave acted such an 
interesting part. Zadoc was complained of by the 
irate Mr. Cottleston for " drawing " the affections of 
his dutiful daughter, and fined and admonished. He 
however came near escaping conviction ; for the honest 
hearted maiden frankly deposed that she was the one 
who did the drawing. But the magistrates could not 
view it in exactly that light, as enough was drawn out 
by their cross-questioning — and cross enough it was, 
by all accounts — to satisfy them that the drawing 
was at least mutual ; and so they replenished the 
treasury to the amount of five pounds. But a brief 
narration of the incidents as they occurred should be 
given. 



COURTSHIP. 353 

Old Mr. Cottleston was one of those invidious 
persons whose chief enjoyment consists in laboring 
to make those about them uncomfortable ; who are 
jealous of the intentions of every one toward them, 
and tenaciously retain a morbid sense of real or fan- 
cied wrong. He was a tall, gaunt man, and laid claim 
to divers marvelous physical endowments. Among 
other things, he asserted that by stopping his nose 
and mouth he could breathe through his ears. And 
poor Amabel, in view of his dogged watchfulness 
of her when he thought Zadoc was about, declared 
her conviction that he could likewise see through his 
ears. But without pausing to examine into the valid- 
ity of his claims touching the auricular organs, we 
will pass on to say a word about his nasal protuber- 
ance ; and this we do because it was made to act a 
part in the touching little drama we are entering on. 
The lower expansion, or bulge, of this nose of Mr. 
Cottleston, was of such enormous size as to attract 
the attention of even cows and horses as they met 
him in the streets. And it is asserted that once an 
old ram was so alarmed that he dashed over a stone 
wall and broke his neck by entangling his horns in a 
barberry bush. It does seem as if nature had some 
decided purpose in her odd facial formations, beyond 
the mere furnishing objects of diversion for the curi- 
ous or of alarm for the apprehensive ; and the admirer 
of nature's wonderful works, might study as profitably 
here as in the bowels of the earth. 

Noses have long since been classified and pro- 
nounced indexes of character. And they are, too, 
unquestionably, very useful members ; indispensable 



354 IV- THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

for many good purposes. Their value, however, as 
mere organs of pleasure, is doubtful. To the lover 
of flowers, the admirer of barbers' flavors, and snuff- 
takers, they afford a world of delight. But earth 
abounds with bad odors, and when these prevail, the 
value of noses is more doubtful. There is another 
question about noses which it is hoped will some day 
receive the examination it merits ; and that is, whether 
the scenting power is in the ratio of the size. But 
we must take up the thread of our narrative. 

There were other aspiring swains, besides Mr. 
Bread, who had a tender regard for Amabel ; some, 
no doubt, on account of her riches in health, beauty, 
intelligence, and sprightliness ; and others, with quite 
as little doubt, on account of the riches of her father 
in arable lands, wood lots and goats. Zadoc, however, 
had the inside track, in the pursuit, to use a modern 
phrase ; that is, so far as she was concerned ; though 
her father very wittily declared that his daughter 
was worthy of better Bread, and should not take up 
with any rusty dough-boy. Zadoc, indeed, feared 
from the first that the old man would prove a serious 
obstruction to the course of his love, but thought 
that perhaps it might somehow gurgle round him and 
work clear. 

One trouble was, Zadoc had long before given very 
great oftence to Mr. Cottleston by selling him cloth 
for a Sunday coat, which in the short space of three 
years faded in spots and streaks in the most shameful 
manner. Several wordy bouts had 'taken place be- 
tween them on the subject, the old man being an 
accomplished railer and the young one quick as a 



COURTSHIP. 355 

nettle at retort. But for all that, the memory of the 
offence might have followed the example of the color 
of the coat and faded away, had not Zadoc several 
times during the excited disputes imprudently made 
illiberal allusions to the nose. On one occasion, too, 
soon after an unusually violent altercation, the great 
barn door of Mr. Cottleston was found decorated by 
the outlines of a gigantic nose, with dabs of deep red 
paint all over the low drooping lobe. And there its 
aggravating presence loomed in full view from the 
windows of the best room. All these things of course 
happened Itong before the sparking between Amabel 
and Zadoc commenced. And it shows the importance 
of being careful about offering provocation to any one ; 
for in the constantly shifting scenes of life we do not 
know who may be our next bed-fellow. 

The two lovers were convinced that the old gentle- 
man would violently oppose the consummation of 
their desires ; a conviction that perhaps added to 
the intensity of their passion, though it led them to 
be very circumspect in their interviews, and sparing 
of their endearments when observing eyes were about. 
But that hope-deferred suspense becomes very wea- 
rying to the true and ardent lover, and impatience 
suggests many a device which prudence might not 
approve. 

Zadoc, in casting about for an advocate of his cause, 
with Mr. Cottleston, thought of his employer, a man 
who made his own conscience his idol of worship, 
and as firmly believed in its infallibility as ever papist 
in the pope's. He was a brother church member 
as well as distant relative, and known to entertain 



356 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

a high opinion of Zadoc. All these things seemed 
favorable. 

Mr. Maddox readily accepted the delicate office, and 
soon had a conference with his friend Cottleston, 
whom he found in his front room, stringing onions. 
He had hardly delivered himself so far as to give a 
glimpse of the purpose of his mission, when that 
awful nose took the scent notwithstanding the power- 
ful counter odor of the onions ; and from the toothless 
cavern beneath there issued a torrent of invective. 
Unfortunately the faded coat hung in full view, afford- 
ing an argument against which no common eloquence 
could prevail. Mr. Maddox was not disposed to be- 
stow much attention on the garment, for he well 
remembered that the cloth was purchased at his own 
store, where Zadoc was but an attendant. Nor did 
he think it at all advisable to turn the current of 
ire from Zadoc to himself, but was very willing to 
allow the storm to continue to beat on a blameless 
head. And then, in full view from the windows of 
the room in which they were, still glared the hideous 
nasal representation. It is no more than fair toward 
Zadoc, however, to state that he solemnly asseverated 
that he had no hand in that artistic libel ; and he was 
always regarded as a truthful young man. At all 
events, Amabel believed him innocent. 

The intercession of Mr. Maddox was fruitless, as 
might have been expected, his conscience leading him 
to give rather more than due prominence to all the 
little failings which Zadoc, in common with the rest 
of mankind was subject to, and to avoid giving any 
prominence to his many virtues and generous acts. 



COURTSHIP. 357 

But such conduct is not uncommon with desperately 
conscientious people. 

The opposition of Mr. Cottleston now waxed firmer 
and firmer ; for as it in reality had little to rest on, 
he kept continually seeking for every little bit of drift 
fuel to keep alive and increase the flame of his wrath. 
And do not tantalizing parents, now-a-days, under 
similar circumstances sometimes act as he did ? And 
when they do, do they not deserve to be circumvented 
as he was ? But how was he ? That we are presently 
to show. 

Mr. Cottleston went even farther than to simply 
forbid the addresses of Zadoc. He complained of him 
to the court, a second time. But the records do not 
show what the result of this repeated application was. 
The fire of true love, however, was not quenched, 
for unreasonable opposition, in such cases, generally 
adds to the violence of the flame. Zodoc was a 
spirited youth ; and having been made to pay the 
fiddler, was not disposed to tamely relinquish the 
dance, so long as his partner was willing. 

Notwithstanding all the circumspection of the lov- 
ers little incidents would occur to keep Mr. Cottle- 
ston's suspicions thoroughly aroused. And he soon 
began to keep a vigilant watch over his daughter. 
He even forbade her going out, excepting under 
special circumstances, and abridged her liberty in the 
most annoying ways. Upon the head of Zadoc he 
rained such denunciations that had one in ten been 
a brick the poor pate would have been crushed. And 
owing to his cruel injunctions almost the only visitor 
Amabel soon came to have was Sunny Wave. That 



358 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

vivacious little sprite had been a welcome visitor 
there, for a long time ; and the old gentleman was 
now especially pleased to have her drop in, for he 
really loved his daughter, and had no doubt that the 
sprightliness of the forest maid would do much to 
ward off the moodiness that might otherwise settle 
on her mind. 

Amabel, as well as Zadoc, was spirited, and the 
rigorous course of her father roused her indignation 
till it rose superior to her filial reverence. Anxious 
weeks, however, passed before Mr. Cottleston received 
the astounding intelligence that a veritable elopement 
had been planned by the lovers, who determined to 
retire to Plymouth colony, or if need be to the Rhode 
Island jurisdiction where more propitious days might 
await them. The old man would not probably have 
believed the thing possible had he not received the 
information directly from the lips of Mr. Maddox, 
Zadoc's employer. The young man, in his necessity, 
had made a confidant of him, and received counte- 
nance and encouragement until he had developed his 
scheme to the utmost. Then the conscientious confi- 
dant slipped off and regaled the ears of the enraged 
parent with the whole story. 

The old man gleefully rubbed his hands, chuckling 
out, " Yes, yes, a decoyer ! a kidnapper ! ah, ha ! we 
will now surely have him in hold ! " And whipping 
posts, prisons, and gallowses loomed in pleasing vista 
before him. 

He was kept informed by the faithless though con- 
scientious confidant of the progress of the arrange- 
ments for the elopement. And being fully advised 



COURTSHIP, 359 

of the hour set for the flight, the place where she was 
to meet her lover, and the point at which they were 
to embark, he felt sure of his prey. His plan seems 
to have been to first make sure that she did not leave 
the house, and then to proceed for the arrest of Za- 
doc while surrounded by the most enchaining circum- 
stances. 

With such laudable ends in view Mr. Cottleston 
sat himself down in the front room, with the door 
which opened on the staircase that led to Amabel's 
apartment ajar, and there remained, as vigilantly on 
the watch as the tyler at a masonic lodge. The 
momentous hour approached, and the girl was in her 
chamber, whither she had retired after having com- 
pleted her part of the domestic labors of the day. 
And Sunny Wave was known to be with her, for 
her merry laugh frequently broke on the lively ear 
of the watcher. 

The shades of evening were thickly gathering. 
The hour was at hand ; and now the old man was all 

on tip-toe The chamber door softly 

opened, a slight rustling was heard, and then a light 
step on the stair. He now felt sure of his game, and 
thought how beautifully all his plans had worked, and 
could not help mentally bestowing blessings on that 
courageous conscience of his friend Maddox, which 
had enabled him so effectually to thwart the conspi- 
racy against his authority. His great gray eyes were 
all ablaze, and the stalwart arms extended to encircle 
the prisoner, when he caught a glimpse that induced 
him to fall back a pace. And the picturesque gar- 
ments of Sunny Wave swept by, her jaunty little 



360 IV, THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

plumes brushing against his frightful nose, as the 
retreating form stepped from the stairs. 

" Well, well," thought Mr. Cottleston, " now that 
bird has flown, the other will soon follow." He had 
been wishing that the Indian girl would go, as he 
knew that she must be pained at what would appear 
to her an outrage, and might become excited to an 
inconvenient degree. So he felt quite relieved. 

He watched on again, for an hour or more, when 
impatience began to get the better of prudence, and 
he was on the eve of making a demonstration ; but, 
just in time, as the auctioneers say, his quick ear 
caught a slight sound. There was a little movement 
above, and then all was silent again. Being satisfied 
that his bird was now about taking flight, he stood 
prepared to grab ere she hopped the twig. But then 
all was still again, and he waited till impatience 
almost drove him to extremities. Then it occurred 
to him that perhaps she had suspected him to be on 
the watch for something, and feared to venture forth 
till she thought he had retired. Acting on this suspi- 
cion, he passed out in rather a noisy way, and imme- 
diately returned silently to his post. After this very 
cunning manoeuvre he had remained but a short 
interval, trying to imagine what had occasioned delay 
or gone amiss, when the chamber door again quietly 
opened and a descending footstep was heard. With 
the fury of a big tom-cat, pouncing on a poor little 
bird, he pounced on the descending form, and held it 
with a crushing grip. But he was quickly brought to 
his senses by a slap in the face from the fiery hand 
of Sunny Wave, who began in real or well-feigned 



COURTSHIP. 361 

excitement, and in a mixture of English and Indian, 
such as she often employed when much aroused, to 
berate him roundly : " Wehe, wehe ! " she ejaculated, 
" old white man hug Indian girl — matchenekuk quen- 
gig — he do wicked — qutchhuaonganit — I no his 
squaw — wutch match — menuhkesuonk — he have 
white squaw himself — nummatcheseongask wehe — 
make my fadher say swear, swear much, swear vera 
much — pohquohwussinnean itut — wehe — Masther 
Eliot, I tell him ; he say bad, oh, vera bad ; I talk to 
um." And all the time she was interspersing her ejac- 
ulations with the most energetic if not furious strug- 
gles and scratchings. He dropped her as he would 
have dropped a blazing rocket, and off she shot, into 
the gloom of night. 

The old man was now desperate. He rushed up 
stairs, where he beat about to no purpose, soon satis- 
fying himself that the bird had of a surety flown. 
The truth now flashed upon him. Amabel had es- 
caped in the garments of Sunny Wave. And down 
he rushed again, as if in the hope of finding the 
Indian girl, that he might reek vengeance on her for 
her complicity in the affair. But she was now at 
a safe distance, and without doubt rejoicing in her 
young heart over the success of their strategy. And 
the poor man was left with only the meagre satisfac- 
tion of roundly abusing his wife for being the mother 
of such a perverse child. He was excessively morti- 
fied at being so outwitted by a couple of girls, and one 
of them " a little salvage devil," as he spitefully called 
Sunny Wave ; and doubly incensed at losing the op- 
portunity of seeing Zadoc at least in the pillory. In 
p 



362 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

the extremity of wrath he seized his hat and crushed 
it down on his head as if his hair were on fire and 
the hat an extinguisher. And then off he rushed 
toward the place where the lovers, according to the 
worthy Maddox, were to embark. But he was spared 
a part of the journey, for he soon met a ship-chandler 
who kept near the landing, and who, in reply to his 
eager inquiries, informed him that the shallop was 
then far down the bay, without doubt dancing merrily 
along, as the wind was fair. 

On receiving this comforting information, he strode 
home again, in about as uproarous a condition of mind 
as need be imagined. Seeing the faded coat on its 
peg, he snatched it down and tore it into shreds, and 
raved round like a mad bull. His excitement attained 
such a pitch that his wife was obliged to send for Mr. 
Maddox. That enlightened individual promptly re- 
paired to the abode of distress, taking his god con- 
science with him. He read the Bible, prayed, and 
recited the catechism, for some two hours, when the 
weight of the storm seemed overpast, and he retired. 

The report somehow presently prevailed, far and 
wide, among the scandal-mongers, that Mr Cottleston 
had been caught in the very act of offering a serious 
impropriety to Sunny Wave ; and that she was forced 
to rage like a little wild cat to save herself from a 
great wrong. Mr. Maddox was appealed to, as he 
was known to have been at the house on the eventful 
night, but was too conscientious to deny or explain 
any report that might tarnish the reputation of a 
neighbor ; for, as he was fond of remarking, with a 
shrewd wag of the head — " the flesh is weak ; " a fact 



COURTSHIP. 363 

which the conduct of people of his stamp generally 
makes apparent. Sunny Wave herself was not seen 
in Boston for some time after the exceptional occur- 
rence, so that nothing could be learned from her. 
The matter finally assumed so serious an aspect that 
Mr. Cottleston was driven to keep housed most of the 
time. And the affair was about being brought before 
the church and the Court, when the Indian girl 
became apprised of what was going on. Without 
delay she visited her kind adviser, Mr. Eliot, and told 
him the story in full. He was greatly amused at the 
artless rehearsal of the artful contrivance for Amabel's 
escape, and promised to do all he could to effect a 
reconciliation, so that the absent pair might return. 
He lost no time in relieving Mr. Cottleston's char- 
acter from any unclean aspersion ; but could not 
prevent the sneers and jokes of the pestilent fellows 
who delighted to annoy and irritate him. 

What temporarily became of the lovers, it would 
be stepping aside from our course to narrate. All 
that need be said, is that they got safely off, and were 
duly united in wedlock. They were not again seen 
in the Bay Colony until a pacification had been 
effected, which was not so very difficult, after the 
shreds of the faded coat had been braided into a door 
mat and worn out, and the unique drawing had been 
weather-scrubbed from the barn door. 

Subsequently, we find this entry : 

" In answer to the peticon of W'" Thompson, crav- 
ing the remittment of a fine of five pounds, y^ law 



364 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

imposeth on him, for making a motion of marriage to 
Sarah Goggan before he had hberty so to doe from 
hir freinds, the Court jiidgeth it meet to abate him 
fififty shillings of that fine." [Court Records, June 
2, 1653. 

This seems to have been another case arising under 
the same enactment that the Stanley-Tarbox affair 
happened. From a remittance of a part of the fine it 
may, however, be inferred that such obduracy as cha- 
racterized that case did not here exist ; or, possibly, 
Mr. Thompson could not raise the money, and had 
been kept in durance long enough. Whether he 
finally married Sarah it does not appear ; but perhaps 
a reconciliation had been effected which resulted in 
wedlock, and the fifty shillings were remitted to aid in 
the setting-out. 

Further on, we find another instance of a grieved 
swain petitioning for the Court's clemency : 

" In ans"" to the petition of Willjam Walker, seaman, 
now a prisoner for the breach of y^ law ab* making 
suite to a servant majd w'''out the masters consent 
first obteyned, &c., the Court, considering he was a 
strainger, & not knowing the lawe, that he hath lyen 
in prison nere a moneth, judg'' meet to graunt his 
request & dischardg him, he paying the chardge of 
the prison." [Court Records, Oct. 8, 1662. 

So, poor William obtained his enlargement. He 
probably thought he had fallen among land-sharks. 



MARRIAGE, 365 

Mariners are rather noted for their devotions at the 
shrine of Venus, while in port, and are very liable to 
be suspected of unwarrantable freedom in regard to 
the fair sex. Perhaps they are a little more ardent 
than would be becoming in a landsman ; but their 
intervals for sweet dalliance being usually short, they 
are obliged to make hay while the sun shines, so to 
speak. Our wary fathers, probably taking into view 
the peculiar temperament of the class, thought that 
the cool air of a prison would be wholesome for 
William the sailor. 

It is quite certain that the sin of incontinence 
was surprisingly prevalent at an early day ; and it is 
equally certain that the pious and sober-minded re- 
garded it with due horror. But it seems as if they 
need not, in their zeal to abate the evil, have resorted 
to means which they must have seen would in many 
cases have seriously obstructed the course of true and 
worthy love. Zeal and consistency, however, are not 
generally found to be yoke-fellows. And so it turned 
out with our ancestors. Though incontinence was 
so abhorrent, the agreeable custom of bundling was 
in some sections rather encouraged than discounte- 
nanced, till by the frequent advent of the dimpled 
fruits came serious scandal. 



MARRIAGE. 

As a guard against irregular and improper mar- 
riages, an order was early passed by the General 
Court requiring the intention to be published fourteen 
days before the consummation. And this salutary 



366 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

regulation, in substance, continued in force for more 
than two hundred years. The following is the first 
enactment on the subject : 

" For preventing of all vnlawfull marriages, &c., it is 
ordered, that after dewe publication of this order, noe 
persons shalbee ioyned in marriage before the inten- 
tion of the parties proceeding therein hath bene 3 
times published at some time of publike lecture or 
towne meeting, in both the townes where the parties 
or either of them do ordinarily reside ; & in such 
townes where no lectures are, then the same intention 
to bee set vp in writing vpon some poast standing in 
publike viewe & used for such purposes onely, & there 
to stand, so as it may easily bee read, by the space 
of 14 dayes. And all townes w* have no weekly 
lecture shall fourthw''^ appoint or set vp a post in 
some publike place, to bee vsed for that purpose 
onely, vpon paine of x-^^'^- the month for default 
thereof" [Court Records, Sept. 9, 1639. 

It was not till 1686 that ministers were authorized 
to solemnize marriages. Before that, only magis- 
trates, and officers specially appointed, could tie the 
knot matrimonial. This is singular, considering the 
extraordinary respect then paid to ministers, and 
perhaps inexplicable on any other ground than that 
which supposes a disposition to show contempt for 
the church of England, which, under ecclesiastical 
law, invested the rite with peculiar sanctity, though 
not, as before remarked, giving it the character of a 
sacrament, as does the Romish church. The puritans 



MARRIAGE, 36/ 

here placed it right down where the common law of 
England left it ; on the ground of a mere civil con- 
tract ; and then, strangely enough, went on to hedge 
it about with such restrictions as showed that in 
principle it was viewed in a light very different from 
a common contract. 

All along among the proceedings of the Court may 
be found the appointment of matrimonial commission- 
ers, as the exigencies of time and place required. The 
following appears among other enactments : 

" There being seuerall tounes w'''in this jurisdiction 
who are not only remote from any magistrate, but 
also destitute of any person impowred to solemnize 
marriage, the want whereof is an occasion of much 
trouble & sometjmes disapointment, which to prevent, 
it is ordered that Capt. Johnson for Wooborne, Left. 
French for Billirriky & Chelmsford, W™ Coudrey for 
Reding, Capt. Marshall for Lynn, [with quite a num- 
ber of others for different places,] shall and hereby 
are appointed & empowred to joyne in marriage such 
persons w"'in their respective tounes or Ijmitts as 
shall desire the same, being published according to 
lawe." [Court Records, Oct. 18, 1659. 

In the selection of persons to fill so important an 
office, no doubt pains were taken to have men of 
intelligence, honor, and integrity. Yet, notwithstand- 
ing every precaution an unsuitable individual would 
occasionally slip into office ; much as is the case in 
our da}^ especially as to those offices where the pay 
is liberal. And the larger the pa}^ the greater the 



368 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

danger, perhaps, though the popular opinion now 
seems to be that the larger the pay the greater the 
surety of obtaining honest service — indicating that 
after all moral worth and honor may be merchantable 
articles, or have a clear pecuniary value. 

Of Capt. Marshall, the above-named appointee for 
Lynn, we must say a few words ; for he dodges 
about in our colonial history in a shape sometimes 
rather questionable. His doings under his commis- 
sion rendered him quite conspicuous for a time, for 
he can hardly be said to have been either reserved in 
his manners or cautious in his acts. He does not 
appear to have been a bad man, but a jolly, rollicking, 
careless body, fond of a good time, and ready to assist 
others in what seemed to him the chief enjoyments 
of life. 

He was so ready to act in his official capacity, 
without any examination as to whether preliminary 
requisitions had been complied with, and was withal 
so easily imposed upon, that his vicinage became a 
sort of Gretna Green. 

Capt. Marshall kept a tavern, which was for a long 
period among the most noted in all New England. 
It was on the great eastern road from Boston, and 
the same one before spoken of in these pages, as 
being the scene, while in charge of Joseph Armitage, 
of some romantic and touching occurrences. 

He appears to have come from England among the 
early settlers. But when the sun of the Common- 
wealth was struggling up amid the feudal mists, he 
was seized with irrepressible military ardor, and buck- 
ling on his armor hastened to enspirit, by his valiant 



MARRIAGE. 369 

presence, the parliamentary host. The value of his 
services was beyond calculation ; for by his bravery 
in the field and wisdom in the council, the new gov- 
ernment was established ; at least so it was according 
to his own representation ; and who, better than he, 
could know what wonders he had accomplished. 

At the close of the war he returned, and again 
took up his abode in Lynn, upon the margin of Sau- 
gus river, as was affirmed because that stream abound- 
ed with luscious eels, of which he was immoderately 
fond. And it may be incidentally mentioned that 
while he was a member of the General Court, which 
was for several years, he annually invited his fellow- 
members to an eel supper at his house ; and then the 
poor eels were forced to appear in every guise known 
to the cuisine economy — in fry, stew, or baked pie ; 
under a crispy crust or in a robe of browned meal. 

It was after his return fr6m the war that he became 
a member of the Court, as the records show. He 
received great applause for his soldierly exploits ; 
and the scars he swore by were the admiration of all 
partisans of the Commonwealth — and that is about 
equivalent to saying of all the people. 

It has been remarked, in a general way, that those 
soldiers who on their return from a war are most 
boastful of their valorous achievements, are usually 
those who were fortunately out of the way of the 
bullet showers, or had discretion enough to retreat 
before the storms ; while those who are more modest 
in recounting their exploits, are such as show stumps 
and scars. Judging by this rule, I do not know what 
to say of Capt. Marshall, as a soldier. He had no 
P* 24 



370 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

stumps to exhibit, but he had a very conspicuous 
scar on his left jowl. It was, however, like the scar 
which adorned another famous individual who figures 
in this volume, a variable index — quite a weathercock 
of a scar; for it not only answered as evidence of a 
murderous thrust of a cavalier, in a hand-to-hand 
engagement, but as evidence of a merciless blow from 
the tomahawk of a savage, and again as the mark of 
the tooth of a ferocious shark who had endeavored to 
make a meal of him. But there was another explana- 
tion, given by an unromantic neighbor, who alleged 
that he was present when the wound was received. 
His declaration was that before the Captain returned 
to England on his military enterprise, he was one 
day eeling with him, at Mystic river. They had a 
little keg of stimulant which they placed behind a 
rock, to be visited by either, as occasion might require. 
The neighbor was some distance up stream most of 
the afternoon, and when he returned he found the 
Captain in a comatose condition seated beside the 
empty keg. He had not caught a single eel, but 
kept muttering something about Indians' frightening 
them away. The neighbor was alarmed at his con- 
dition, and having raised him up was more alarmed 
still to find that he could not stand. However, he 
managed to brace him up against the rock while he 
collected their apparatus ; but just as he was turning 
back, the brace under his chin gave way, and he 
reeled over, the end of the support gouging into his 
cheek, and inflicting a really serious wound, a wound 
of which the scar in question remained a conspicuous 
remembrancer. 



MARRIAGE. 3/1 

Captain Marshall is represented to have taken great 
pains to render the occasions on which he officiated 
by virtue of his commission in every way agreeable. 
His best room would be illuminated with all the 
brilliancy that the most ambitious tallow-dips were 
capable of. And sometimes the savory perfume of 
divers tall bayberry candles floated about like incense 
at a Jewish bridal. The floor would rejoice in a 
covering of the whitest sand that the neighboring 
beaches afforded, figured off as cunningly as the most 
dexterous broom could work. The cheeriest fire 
would glow on the ample hearth, if the blasts of win- 
ter stirred without. The ponderous high-back settle 
would be drawn into the most conspicuous position, 
to receive within its ample arms, the happy pair, with 
the groomsmen and bridemaids. And above all, the 
provident host would be sure to have the old fiddler 
on his block in the chimney corner. The ceremony 
in those days was short and simple, for it was consid- 
ered as much a " church superstition " to have a 
prayer at a wedding as at a funeral. Had prayers 
been demanded, we are left to imagine how the Cap- 
tain would have acquitted himself He is represented 
to have been so off-hand that oftentimes the parties 
did not know at what particular point of time they 
became man and wife. With him, the attendant 
festivities were the chief thing ; and hence it is not 
wonderful that he should once in a while have become 
so bewildered as to lose his reckoning. This was the 
case in relation to a couple who came to be married 
on a Thanksgiving evening, A more than ordinarily 
jolly time was had, and the pair did not depart till 



372 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

midnight. After he had retired and lay reflecting on 
the events of the evening, it suddenly occurred to 
him that he had not married them at all ; though 
they had gone off in the happy belief that they were 
man and wife. A Thanksgiving dinner and wedding 
party in one day, had proved too much for him. The 
pair themselves were culpable in not keeping a more 
careful watch on the proceedings ; but they probably 
anticipated no failure of duty on the part of the chief 
performer, and so gave themselves no anxiety. 

When the recollection of his inexcusable delin- 
quency flashed upon Capt. Marshall he was exces- 
sively disturbed. He turned and twisted about in 
his bed, rose up in end, twitched off his night-cap 
and threw it across the floor, then got up and replaced 
it, and performed divers other equally rational antics. 
But what was to be done ? It came to that question, 
after all. Should he post right off, and communicate 
to the twain the dread fact, and try forthwith to mend 
matters as well as he could .-* Why no, he thought, 
it would be downright sin to disturb them at such a 
time. So he concluded to let the matter rest till the 
next day. 

Early on the following morning, the pair started 
on a short visit to some friends in Boston ; so that 
when the Captain arrived at their cosy home, they 
could not be found. He was now almost distracted 
at what he had done, or rather at what he had left 
undone ; perhaps as much from the apprehension 
of losing custom and being subjected to neighborly 
jokes, when the matter leaked out, as from any other 
cause. He became so uneasy that in the afternoon 



MARRIAGE. 373 

he mounted his nag and started for Boston with all 
possible speed. The happy pair were found enjoying 
their sweet companionship at the hospitable abode 
of a worthy draper. And having no time to lose he 
drew aside the surprised Mr. Ganderson — for that, 
by the way, was the name of the would-be bride- 
groom — and in as composed a manner as he could 
command, communicated the alarming intelligence, 
proposing, in the same breath, to repair all damages, 
by at once tying the matrimonial knot. And what 
was his astonishment to receive in return for his 
generous offer, the indifferent reply, " Well done. 
Master Marshall ! well done ! And haply there is a 
providence in thy delinquency, which we may do well 
to heed. Indeed I already begin to have weighty 
misgivings touching the desirableness of wedlock. I 
thank thee for thy neighborly office in informing of 
thy strange omission ; but think we will allow the 
affair to rest just where it is, looking to future provi- 
dential direction. But, Captain, is it so, of a truth, 
or art thou come with one of thy canty jokes ? " 

The Captain was completely nonplused. He had 
been ruminating on the affair for many hours, and 
considering the possible consequences to the parties 
and to himself, and had come to the rational conclu- 
sion that nothing but an immediate marriage would 
rectify affairs. And so that unexpected answer was, 
of all things, best calculated to discompose him. He 
however presently rallied sufficiently to raise his voice 
in warm expostulation and stormy denunciation, inso- 
much that all the people in the house were at once 
drawn about them. 



374 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS, 

Mr. Ganderson received the outporing of indignant 
eloquence with the most provoking unconcern, which 
added essentially to the aggravation. Finally, the 
Seventh Commandment suggested itself to the aid 
of the Captain ; and on that he felt sure of overcoming. 
On it he exhorted, and on it he predicated the direst 
threats. But as the threats began their skirmishing, 
they were met by a shocking outburst of laughter 
from the gentleman in jeopardy, who, throwing his 
arm lovingly around his partner in the misadventure, 
significantly asked the Captain if he could not under- 
stand a joke, after having been all his life dealing in 
such articles ; adding that though it were perhaps 
unseemly to joke on such a matter, he hoped to be 
excused, for really he had felt so good for the last 
dozen or two hours that he hardly knew what he did. 
This brought relief and good nature. And it was 
agreed that as delays are dangerous, and the parties 
stood in so equivocal a position, the knot should be 
tied forthwith ; they being, as one of the company 
pleasantly observed, already as good as man and 
wife. 

The ceremony was accordingly performed ; hastily 
indeed, but surely ; much to the relief of all concerned ; 
especially to the Captain. 

And then the rejoicing official, being refreshed by 
a substantial supper, remounted his well-fed horse, 
and took his rugged way homeward. It was a moon- 
less night, and the dark woods would have rendered 
the journey tedious enough had not his heart been 
so light. But he arrived safely, though late, and was 
not long in seeking repose upon his bed. It was 



MARRIAGE. 375 

natural enough that the events of the day should be 
summoned before his mind, for review, before sleep 
shut down the gate. Now those night reviews, 
though recommended by moralists, are just the sort 
of things that often murder sleep. If most of us 
could only forget, at night, what we have done during 
the day, our sleep would be less disturbed. Captain 
Marshall, on this occasion, would certainly have slept 
better had he dispensed with the review, for the recol- 
lection came suddenly upon him, that Boston was not 
within the scope of his commission, and that he had 
no right to marry people there. Some of his fellow- 
officials, on whose jurisdiction he had trespassed, he 
felt assured would be informed of his proceeding ; and 
then there would be a rumpus ; for there was rivalry 
in that business as there is in all other. The effect 
of the Captain's recollection was almost overpowering. 
He groaned so loudly that he awoke the cook, who 
slept in a neighboring apartment ; and she, hastening 
to his bedside, found him, as she supposed, writhing 
from a severe pain in the bowels — his " drefiful 
bowleyhake," as she called it. So she flew to the 
kitchen, and with all possible despatch returned with 
an overflowing mug of peppermint-tea. She handed 
it toward him, when he reared up and gave the mug 
such a whack, as to send it with a smash against the 
opposite side of the room, aspersing her rusty brown 
face with the scalding liquid. This she took as a 
challenge to battle, such as had fiercely raged be- 
tween them on certain special occasions before. So 
she seized a chair and began to lamm and punch 
him with all her might, occasionally exclaiming, in 



3/6 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

no gentle voice, " I '11 give you a bowleyhake, you 
old eel-pot you ! " Pretty much all he could do was 
to exercise a little choice as to what part of his body 
should receive the blows ; and this he did, by turning 
and twisting, and presenting this or that member. 
It must be seen that he was taken at great disadvant- 
age, having nothing on but his airy night robe, and 
so could not rise and grapple with his adversary. All 
the time, the most terrific outcries were kept up, so 
that the whole household were presently aroused and 
drawn to the scene of action. Forcible intervention 
soon restored order. The heroine returned to her 
virgin couch, and the mediators dispersed, without 
even inquiring into the cause of the warfare, probably 
supposing it to have been of a piece with former 
frivolous disagreements. 

The scrimmage gave such a change to the current 
of the Captain's reflections, or rather perhaps so 
drove all reflection from him, that he slept soundly 
for the hour or two remaining before daylight. When 
he awoke, he very sensibly resolved to repair, as soon 
as his morning meal was over, to the nearest Assist- 
ant, and in a private way lay the matter of his trouble 
about the marriage before him ; which resolution he 
carried into effect. 

The worthy magistrate informed him that the mar- 
riage was a good one, though he himself might be 
proceeded against for exceeding his authority. And 
he generously proposed, as the Court was then in 
session, to endeavor to get an order through, confirm- 
ing his doings, and relieving him from any penalty, 
no particular harm having ensued. And being a 



MARRIAGE. 37/ 

man of influence, and one never known to advocate 
a wrong measure, he had no difficulty in effecting his 
neighborly purpose. 

Thus were all the wounds healed and embarrass- 
ments obviated. And the bride and the bridegroom, 
the jolly Captain, the brown faced cook, and all con- 
cerned, began again to jog along life's busy road, as 
calmly and comfortably as if the threatening obstruc- 
tions had never interposed. 

One would have supposed that Captain Marshall's 
experience in this case would have led him to exer- 
cise extreme caution in the future. But that does 
not appear to have been the happy result. He soon 
became as careless as ever, and as unable to resist 
any wayward application for the exercise of his office. 
His love for the good times grew upon him ; and 
it would be interesting to draw his picture, as he 
appeared in the full enjoyment of one of his parties, 
after he had riveted the bonds of love. 

Laying aside his coat and his magistratic dignity, 
in precipitate haste, and in defiance of the law prohib- 
iting dancing, he would claim it as his prerogative to 
have a trip-on-toe with the blushing bride. Then his 
fat sides would shake, and his great feet would rise 
and fall with a noise like the thumps of a fulling mill. 
The sweat would drip from his face, and his enor- 
mous round-glassed spectacles, shaking from their 
nasal perch, would be kicked aside, to be replaced 
when a sufficient pause in the irresistible music of 
the fiddle allowed. 

Weddings were seasons of great hilarity ; often 
unbecomingly so. And the Captain did his part to 



378 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

make them what they were, and bring about the state 
of things which forced the Court to reiterate its pro- 
hibitory mandate against dancing generally, and es- 
pecially at marriages. Certain it is, there were evils 
which called loudly for reform. As late as 17 19, the 
Boston ministers pronounced weddings to be times 
of " riotous irregularities." 

The Captain continued to administer his office in 
such an eccentric manner that the Court finally re- 
voked his commission. The proceedings in the case 
show how the matter stood in their minds, though 
it is evident that the white-wash brush was an imple- 
ment not unknown at that unsophisticated period, if it 
is in this cunning age. The record stands thus : 

" The Court, being informed that Capt. Thomas 
Marshall hath of late marrjed some persons not legally 
published, on the examination of the case, finde that 
he was abused by the misinformation of some, by his 
oune over much credulity, and that he hath exceeded 
the comission by marrying persons not living in the 
toune, w^'^ might be occasioned vpon some mistake 
of the extent of his comission, w^'' this Court hath 
now more clearly explicated, to prevent the like 
inconvenience, & judge meet to dischardge the sajd 
Capt. Marshall from ofificyating in that imployment." 
[Court Records, May 31, 1670. 

" Overmuch credulity," forsooth ! The Court must 
have said that with its thumb against its nose, figura- 
tively speaking ; as it says a great many things, 
now-a-days. The moving cause of the action was 



MARRIAGE, 379 

probably the Hope Allen case, of which brief notice 
should be taken. 

Mr. Allen appears to have had a strong desire to 
get a daughter, then of marriageable age, off his hands ; 
but there was no harm in that. And she, with mat- 
ronly aspirations, had no disposition to thwart his 
desire ; nor was there harm in that. And as a third 
party was necessary to the success of the scheme, 
they somehow roped in a promising young man 
named Deacon ; was there harm in that ? Ah ! there 
the fact of innocence is not quite so apparent. 

A Boston magistrate was applied to, to perform that 
delicate problem in matrimonial arithmetic, which by 
adding two together makes one — or, in plain English, 
they applied to him to marry them. But he promptly 
refused, not being satisfied that they were legally 
published. 

On this, the undaunted Hope, with the docile pair, 
hied to the elysian fields of Lynn, the jurisdiction 
of Capt. Marshall, taking with them another con- 
spirator, named John Pease. 

Almost before they knew it, after reaching the 
lovers' refuge, the two were man and wife, and a 
smoking eel-pie was before them. They returned to 
Boston, prepared to look the magistrate who had 
refused to unite them, defiantly in the face. But the 
matter created a good deal of talk, though what gave 
it the great importance that seems to have been 
attached to it does not appear. The Court, as has 
been seen, annulled the Captain's commission. And 
now we will show how Mr. Allen, the bride's father, 
and the conspirator Pease were dealt with : 



380 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

" Hope Allin & John Pease, being sent for, appeared 
in Court, & y* sajd John Pease acknouldged, that 
notw^standing the counsell of the major generall, 
who had decHned y*^ marrying of M"' Deacon to Hope 
Allins daughter, he did accompany them to Lynn, to 
Capt. Marshall, &c., and Hope Allin declared he did 
give his consent y' y^ sajd M"" Deacon should haue 
his daughter, & told Capt. Marshall y* he hoped they 
might be legally published before y* time, &c., the 
Court judged it meet to censure the sajd Hope Allin 
to pay tenn pounds as a fine to the country for his 
irregular proceedure, & John Pease forty shillings." 
[Court Records, May 31, 1670. 



DIVORCE. 

Having seen something of the manner in which 
the matrimonial victims were bound, it remains to be 
seen how they were unbound. A few pages back 
we made a remark or two on the subject of divorce. 
It is a matter of very grave importance, and one on 
which we hear greatly differing opinions expressed. 
The General Court took jurisdiction, original and 
appellate, apparently determining every case on its 
merits, regardless of precedent and without fixed rule. 
And we now propose citing one or two instances to 
show their manner of proceeding : 

" In the case of Rachel! Langton, or Varney, the 
Court judgeth it meete to declare, that shee is free 
from hir late husband, Joseph Langton." [Court 
Records, May 22, 1661. 



DIVORCE. 381 

There is no circumlocution, no red tape, here ; and 
Rachel, no doubt, made a courtesy to the Court and 
went on her way rejoicing. Joseph, too, perhaps, 
made a bow and went on his other way rejoicing with 
equal joy. The cause of the separation does not 
appear. 

Here is another case, in which the Court was un- 
gallant enough to refuse a lady's petition : 

" In ans'' to the petition of Margaret Bennet, in 
behalf of Mary White, her daughter, humbly desiring 
to be set free from Elias White, hir husband, for his 
deficjency, &c., in hir peticon & by witnesses therein 
exprest & prooved, the Court judgeth it not meete to 
graunt hir request." [Court Records, Oct. 21, 1663. 

We do not learn in what particular Elias was defi- 
cient. But as every man and woman on earth is 
deficient in something, if divorces were granted ac- 
cordingly, the matrimonial fetters would prove but 
cobwebs. Perhaps the mother-in-law intermeddled. 

The next case seems to have been one with which 
the Court itself hardly knew how to deal : 

" In ans"" to the petition of Elizabeth Steevens, wife 
of Henry Steevens, it appearing to the Court that the 
sajd Henry Steevens hath deserted his wife and held 
vnlawfull familiarity w* another woman, this Court 
judgeth it meete to declare, that the petitioner marry- 
ing any other man shall not be indangered thereby as 
a transgressour of our lawes." [Court Records, Oct. 
12, 1670. 



382 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

This curious decree was of course intended to ope- 
rate as a divorce ; otherwise it allowed her to have 
two husbands. Henry should have been ashamed to 
be dallying with another woman, and deserved to lose 
his wife. 

The following is an instance wherein the Court of 
Assistants undertook to divorce a couple, and had 
their doing reversed on an appeal to the General 
Court. The latter say : 

" In ans"" to y^ peticon of George Halsall, humbly 
desiring that Jane his wife, lately divorced from him 
by the Court of Assistants, 1656, may be restoured to 
him, &c., the Court on a hearing of the matter con- 
tejned in his petition, and duly considering of all 
the evidences by both partjes produced in the case, 
doe order, that the judgment of the sajd Court of 
Assistants in refference thereto be voyd, and that 
the sajd George Halsal shall haue and enjoy the sajd 
Joane Halsal his wife againe." [Court Records, Nov. 
12, 1659. 

One would have thought he could not have enjoyed 
her much after her tantrums. They had been sepa- 
rated some three years, but his aftection seems to 
have survived. And the same, apparently, was the 
case with her aversion. Or, perhaps, it was another 
of those cases where a mischief making mother-in-law 
interfered. 

Divorces for desertion do not appear to have been 
uncommon. There were a good many adventurers 
here, who probably took wives, and when they became 



DIVORCE. 383 

tired of them, or wished to return to the old country 
unencumbered, deserted them. And not a few were 
found to have a wife or two on either side of the 
water. The jurisprudence of New England always 
regarded desertion as a sufficient ground for divorce ; 
and justly so, as it defeats the chief purposes of the 
marriage relation. In addition to the cases spoken 
of the following may properly be given : 

" In ans'' to the peticon of Mary Madox, the Court 
hauing read & considered the contents of this petition 
doe judge & declare, that y^ condition of the petitioner 
being indeed circumstanced as she hath therein de- 
clared, y* her husband Henry Maddox, having binn 
absent for a thirteen yeares & never wrote or sent 
to hir in y' time, she is at liberty from the conju- 
gall bond made w^'^ the sajd Maddox & at liberty to 
dispose of hirselfe as she shall see meete." [Court 
Records, May 9, 1678. 

It would not be remarkable if this Mr. Maddox 
were of the progeny of the conscientious Maddox 
before spoken of in this volume ; but no matter about 
that. The ground taken, in this case, was, no doubt, 
his presumed death. And so, very likely, was the 
husband's death presumed, in the earlier case of 
Pester, which was disposed of as follows : 

"M"s Dorothy Pester, whose husband went to Eng- 
land some ten yeares since, & was neuer to this day 
heard of, vppon her petition to this Court, hath lib- 
erty graunted her to marry when God by his provi- 



384 iV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

dence shall aftbrd her an oppertunitie." [Court Re- 
cords, May 31, 1652. 

Whether God ever afforded her an opportunity to 
get married again, or her truant husband ever Pester- 
ed her or any other woman afterward, the records do 
not show. 

The question whether a man can rightfully marry 
his deceased wife's sister, has long been earnestly 
debated in almost every part of the Christian world — 
the Protestant at least ; as the Catholic and Greek 
churches do not allow the connection ; nor the Church 
of England, so far as it can exercise authority. And 
it is probably true that at the present time a large 
majority in the protestant sects hold, on scriptural 
grounds, that such marriages are not allowable. Not- 
withstanding this. New England, at the present day, 
regards with no disfavor such alliances — and is not 
New England the wisest place on the footstool .-* 
The fathers of the Bay Colony, however, did not view 
this matter in the light their sons do ; but then their 
lantern was dimmer. The Court say : 

" In ans"" to the quaestion, whither it be lawfull for 
a man that hath buried his first wife to marry w"' hir 
that was his first wives natturall sister, the Court 
resolves it on the negative." [Court Records, May 
31, 1670. 

We shall close our extracts, in this connection, with 
the following, which aims to keep the peace of families. 



IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 385 

But alas, it requires a power greater than a Great and 
General Court, to secure such a desirable end : 

" Itt is ordered by this Courte, and the authoritje 
that no man shall strike his wife, nor any woman her 
husband, on penalty of such fine not exceeding tenn 
pounds for one offence, or such corporall punishment 
as the Shire Court that hath the examination thereof 
shall determine." [Court Records, Oct. 15, 1650. 

So the un courtly legislators assumed that a wife 
might be guilty of striking, as well as a husband ; 
and the validity of the assumption seems unfortu- 
nately to be borne out by the records. Among the 
cases in the shire court of Essex, in 1680, we find 
that of the wife of John Davis, who was presented 
" for breaking her husband's head with a quart pot." 

The sin of incontinence, as before remarked, was 
regarded with due horror. And when the marriage 
fold itself was invaded the penalty of death was not 
considered too severe. The case of Mary Latham, 
whic'ii occurred in 1643, created a good deal of sensa- 
tion, and possessed elements more than ordinarily 
affecting. 

She appears to have been well bred, and belonged 
to a pious family. When about eighteen years of age 
she became deeply in love with a young man, who 
does not appear to have reciprocated her ardent feel- 
ings. This had a serious effect upon her, and she 
rashly vowed that as she could not v/ed the real object 
of her affections, she would marry the first who pre- 
Q 25 



386 rV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

sented himself. And accordingly she soon became 
the wife of a very unsuitable person ; a man old, poor, 
weak-minded, and depraved ; one for whom she could 
have no esteem, to say nothing of love. 

They led an exceedingly unhappy life, and soon 
abandoned themselves to a terribly vicious course, 
entertaining the lowest company, and engaging in 
scenes of the most revolting description. Among 
their associates was one James Britton, of Wey- 
mouth, who had long been marked by the authorities 
as a most turbulent fellow, and who, as appears by 
the records, was, on the 13th of March, 1639, "cen- 
sured to be whipped," for some of his evil deeds. 

They carried on their lewd orgies with such a high 
hand, scoffing at all admonitions, that it was finally 
determined to apply the utmost rigors of the law. 
They were complained of for the most grievous of the 
mutually voluntary offences in the catalogue of lewd- 
ness. And there was abundant evidence to ensure 
conviction. Indeed, after the trial she confessed the 
fact. They were both condemned to death. And 
their execution speedily followed. 

Winthrop says the young woman died penitently, 
" and gave good exhortation to all young maids to be 
obedient to their parents, and to take heed of evil 
company." Britton, after his condemnation, mani- 
fested great reluctance to die, and petitioned the 
General Court, to annul or commute his sentence ; 
but they would not. Some of the magistrates, how- 
ever, questioning " whether adultery was death by 
God's law now," a warm debate sprang up. But the 
result did not save Britton's neck. 



IV, THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 38/ 

The Domestic Relations certainly constitute one 
of the most weighty of subjects. But our limits will 
not admit of further details. And with one or two 
additional general reflections we must close this 
chapter. 

It is not easy to fully recognize the various interests 
and duties that cluster around the matrimonial con- 
nection. The highest earthly hopes and most fervid 
sympathies are there ; and so are the purest delights ; 
all mingled with cold realities, anxieties, and neces- 
sitous exactions. Marriage is not only a union of 
hearts, but a union of interests ; and in considering it 
from without, the sanguine seeker after happiness is 
apt to recognize only its more endearing promises — a 
circumstance which doubtless gives birth, after the 
fold is entered, to a dismal brood of disappointments 
and vexations. The objects of ill-founded hope and 
expectation vanish away like fantoms. Where the 
connection is entered into with a just appreciation 
of its responsibilities and requirements, with a de- 
termination to deserve its blessings, and with a due 
sense of the imperfection of all mortals and of all 
things mortal, it will be a rare case where it does not 
prove a success. But when impulse, romantic enthu- 
siasm, unripe judgment or unworthy scheming takes 
the lead, many and many a weary month of baffled 
hopes may be counted on. 

The ardent youth, when looking forward in blissful 
anticipation, is led by nature herself to consider, al- 
most exclusively, the sweets of the connection. The 
sadder incidents which are sure to be encountered, 
sooner or later, seldom becloud the pleasing view. 



388 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

Perhaps dame nature arranged this so, foreseeing 
that if she permitted her sons and daughters to reahze 
the entire condition of affairs, none of them would ever 
enter the marriage state. 

In such matters, the young are very much incHned 
to think the old mere ill-judging mal-contents. But 
the counsel of the advanced and experienced may 
save from most ruinous plunges. It must be added, 
however, that there appears to be a sagacity in what 
we call true love, that is so penetrating and discerning, 
that it may be questioned whether it is not in many 
cases as safe to be trusted as the cool calculations 
of those who are liable to be led by worldly conside- 
rations and prejudices. The counsel of parents should 
never be withheld from their sons and daughters ; 
but positive opposition has many dangers, unless it 
springs from the clearest reason. 

Physical proprieties are too much overlooked in the 
preliminary consideration of marriage. They have 
much to do with the weal or woe of the parties imme- 
diately concerned and with the well-being of the race. 
The most valuable product of any community is good 
men and women — good morally, intellectually, and 
physically ; gold and precious stones are not to be 
named in comparison. The deterioration of nations 
even, is, without doubt, more often to be attributed 
to ill-assorted marriages than men are accustomed to 
believe. 

Were it not so serious a matter, it would be amus- 
ing to recount the strange and even ridiculous ideas 
some men have in relation to the qualities desirable 
in a wife. Perhaps a large majority in the civilized 



IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 389 

world, justly conceive that the proper position of a 
wife is that of a companion, a bosom companion, a 
companion in joy and sorrow ; and their choice is 
supposed to be governed accordingly. Others seem 
to choose their wives literally as helps. Others, again, 
choose them simply as household ornaments. Then 
there are those who entertain a mortal dread of being 
linked to wives of stronger powers than themselves ; 
and not being able to relinquish the manly desire to 
be always captain of the domestic train-band, choose 
from the most submissive and simple. And as to 
others, it is utterly impossible to determine what does 
direct their choice. 

But space will allow of no farther consideration 
of this interesting class of topics. The relation of 
husband and wife, while it is the dearest in life is also 
one of the greatest responsibility. Results attend the 
connection, which reach on from generation to gene- 
ration — results materially affecting mind, body, and 
estate. Literally are the sins of parents often visited 
on children of the third and fourth generation. The 
union of a man and woman, or, if you please, of a boy 
and girl, will sometimes effect what a war of nations 
could not, and may give character to a whole race. 
And in every sphere of life, how are fortunes made 
or marred by the quiet operation of the simplest 
marriage rite ; and how is a lifetime of happiness or 
woe secured. 

And then, as to the few individuals whose matri- 
monial infelicities have been spoken of So long a 
time has elapsed since their sad experiences that we 
can know nothing of the intensity of the sorrows that 



390 IV. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

forced them to appeal to the pubHc tribunals and lay 
open their griefs to the jests and sneers of the incon- 
siderate and unfeeling. But they are all now at 
rest from their cares and strifes. One by one they 
went down to the dark valley, whither we are all 
bound, and for generation after generation have slept 
the lonely sleep of death, their loves quenched, their 
bickerings ended. 



CHAPTEK V 



EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

AMONG all the great objects that claimed the 
attention of our excellent forefathers, while 
laying the foundations of our social fabric, none 
seemed of higher importance, or called for more 
earnest reflection than Education. They evidently 
had a realizing sense of their duty in respect to it 
and determined faithfully to acquit themselves ; never 
doubting that thus would the highest blessings be 
secured for themselves, their children, and their chil- 
dren's children. With the following extract from the 
early records we commence our limited investigation : 

" It being one cheife project of y' ould deluder, 
Satan, to keepe men from the knowledge of y® Scrip- 
tures, as in form'' times by keeping y™ in an unknowne 
tongue, so in these latf times perswading from y^ use 
of tongues, y' so at least y^ true sence & meaning 
of y^ originall might be clouded by false glosses of 
saint seeming deceivers, y' learning might not be 
buried in y^ grave of o"" fath^s in y^ church & comon- 
wealth, the Lord assisting o"' endeavo''s, — It is there- 
fore ord^'ed, y' ev''y towneship in this jurisdiction, aff 

(390 



392 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

y^ Lord hath increased y™ to y^ number of 50 house- 
hold's, shall then forthw'^ appoint one w'''in theire 
towne to teach all such children as shall resort to 
him to write and reade, whose wages shall be paid 
eith*" by y^ parents or masfs of such children, or by 
y^ inhabitants in genVil, by way of supply, as y^ major 
part of those y* ord"" y^ prudentials of y"^ towne shall 
appoint ; provided, those y* send their children be 
not oppressed by paying much more y" they can have 
y™ taught for in oth"" townes ; and it is further ordered 
y' where any towne shall increase to y^ numb"" of 100 
families or household''^, they shall set up a gramer 
schoole, y^ m"" thereof being able to instruct youth so 
farr as they may be fited for y^ university, provided, y* 
if any towne neglect y*^ performance hereof above one 
yeare, y* every such towne shall pay 5/. to y^ next 
schoole till they shall performe this order." [Court 
Records, Nov. 11, 1647. 

This seems to have been the first general order 
that the Court passed for the establishment of a 
school system, in Massachusetts ; though " divers 
free schools were erected " in Boston, Roxbury, and 
a few other places, a year or two before, and though 
something is said about the neglect of parents and 
masters to " train up their children in learning," in 
the Court proceedings as early as 1642 ; in which 
year. Governor Dudley writes, " there is a want of 
schoolmasters hereabouts." 

By the preamble to the foregoing order, it would 
appear that one of the chief purposes in providing 
educational means for all, was to enable them to 



SCHOOL OPENS. 393 

circumvent the devil in his attempts to keep them 
from a knowledge of the scriptures — a right worthy 
purpose, too, most certainly. They manifested extra- 
ordinary veneration for the holy book, and ardently 
desired that every one might enjoy its blessings. 
They would have it in every man's hands, for study 
and meditation. But yet they wanted it studied and 
meditated upon according to their convictions. Any 
one might read, digest, and interpret, for himself — 
provided he did so in conformity to their faith. 
They never, in words, required any one to peruse the 
holy book through their spectacles. But how much 
better did they do .-' Ask the spirits of Roger Wil- 
liams and Mrs. Hutchinson — ask the whole Antino- 
mian brood — ask the Quakers. 

The absurdity of allowing individul interpretation 
of human law was fully realized ; but on God's great 
law they allowed an airy freedom to all — the virtuous 
and the strong, the corrupt and the weak — that is, 
they allowed it theoretically ; but practically they did 
no such thing. And does not that theory, whenever 
adopted appear coupled with inconsistent acts .'' 

Little did the sturdy Nicholas Willis, a Boston 
member, who introduced this order, realize what an 
affluent mine he was opening, what a vast amount of 
intellectual power would be developed by the simple 
machinery he was putting in motion — a power unut- 
terably more beneficial to our undone race than that 
which gives motion to all the clattering and shrieking 
machinery beneath heaven's blue canopy. Could he 
have looked down the vista of years and beheld the 
little school-houses, springing up in every settlement, 
Q* 



394 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

and so following the march of civilization as to form 
outworks all along the ever-expanding frontier, their 
red tops gleaming cheerily in the sunshine and speak- 
ing of mystery and power to the dejected race who 
receded before them — he would have felt that his 
endeavors were not in vain. And could he have cast 
his eye still farther along to this our day, and beheld 
the noble edifices that have succeeded those humble 
seats of learning, what would have been his emotions. 
And if he could, with the eye of a seer, have seen 
sporting about the doors of those primitive shrines, 
in tattered raiment and with shoeless feet, the embryo 
heroes who were to subdue the wilderness and defeat 
invading foes, the sages who were to shape the prin- 
ciples which were to make our nation great, he might 
indeed have been thrilled with a joy like that felt by 
earth's most applauded benefactors. 

The first clergy here, were, most of them, learned 
men, having been bred in the bosom of the Church, 
which required of those who ministered at her altars 
something more than alleged calls to preach the gos- 
pel ; some farther recommendation than simple piety. 
Many of them, in connection with their other duties 
became teachers of youth. And they knew well the 
value of education beyond its power in securing mere 
success in life ; they knew of the benefits and happi- 
ness that flow from intellectual attainment ; they 
knew, in short, the value of learning as a weapon in 
the constant warfare against " y' ould deluder Satan." 

Very little learning was indeed required in the 
transaction of the limited business of that day ; and 
it would be quite irrational to conclude that the 



SCHOOL OPENS. 395 

schools were established for the fitting of youth for 
that alone. No, no, it would be doing our ancestors 
great injustice to suppose any such thing, particularly 
against their own recorded declarations. Their mo- 
tives were higher and holier, and we, their obliged 
descendants, are called upon by every consideration 
of honor and gratitude, to revere and bless their 
memory. 

But after a generation or two had passed from the 
time the Massachusetts settlements began, there ap- 
peared a class of native preachers, very poorly quali- 
fied for the sacred office, excepting, perhaps, in the 
matter of piety. And many of these, too, performed 
the duties of teachers of youth. They were harsh 
and rigid in their views of truth and duty, and their 
uncongenial spirits were manifested alike in their 
preaching and severity of discipline. Learning passed 
through a long interval of languishment. Indeed it 
was not till after the Revolution that the good seeds 
so early sown began to produce their best fruits. 

But it should be borne in mind that the term " free 
school " has at this day a more comprehensive signifi- 
cation than it formerly had. The schools were not 
then free, in a full sense. Voluntary contributions 
were received, and assessments levied upon those 
who had children to send ; but it was not deemed just 
that those who had neither children nor wards to 
partake of the benefits should be taxed for the support 
of the schools. This seems to have been the popular 
view, though the order of the Court, just quoted, it 
will be perceived, allowed a general taxation if the au- 
thorites in the towns so directed. There were few or 



396 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

no cases in which pupils were excluded, for the pay 
of the teachers was small and doled almost entirely in 
produce. And so tenderly was the growing system 
fostered that a master who excluded one because he 
could not pay the pittance would have been frowned 
upon. It was many years before the people were 
brought to a full sense of the propriety of taxing all 
for the support of schools, because all, directly or 
indirectly, received the benefit. So perfect a system 
as that of Massachusetts at the present day was 
necessarily of slow growth. 

Religious instruction in the common schools was, 
till a comparatively late period, deemed of the first 
importance ; and when a teacher was engaged he was 
thoroughly examined on points of doctrine. In 1654 
the Court passed an order forbidding that any who 
had shown " y'^selves unsound in the fayth " should 
be employed to teach. We do not think that religious 
instruction in the schools of our day would do much 
harm seeing that so many children are not likely to 
get it any where else. But it might be difficult 
among the multitude of theological whims, to deter- 
mine who was or was not " unsound in the fayth." 

As before remarked, this important order was in- 
troduced into the Court by Nicholas Willis, a Boston 
member. There is not a great deal to be found 
recorded concerning him, for he was far from being 
ostentatious or assuming. He was grave and discreet, 
and very constant in his place at the end of one of the 
rude benches. 

The good old Massachusetts fathers, governed as 
they were by the spirit, and to a considerable extent 



SCHOOL OPENS. 397 

by the letter, of the Levitical law, were, of course, not 
inclined to err by too great leniency in school disci- 
pline. They had found in the venerable book they so 
much revered, the proverb, "He that spareth his 
rod, hateth his son," and seemed determined that 
the striking evidence of their parental love therein 
approved should not be wanting. And the teacher 
of youth who would not conform to the requirement 
was deemed unfit for his office. And could all the 
cries and lamentations of the poor urchins under cas- 
tigation in a single settlement, during a single week, 
have been gathered into one sound it would have 
been such a wail as earth never before heard ; and 
the vibrations would have rolled on with a tornado's 
sweep. Even in Harvard college, as will appear more 
at large hereafter, the law established the discipline 
of the cudgel. And there were a few manifestations 
of rebellion there on account of it ; but they were 
speedily suppressed by the very instruments that 
occasioned them ; that is, the outward manifestations 
were suppressed ; but inwardly they remained as 
contumacious as ever ; and inward rebellion is more 
difficult to manage than outward, it is so much harder 
to get at. 

Where the punishment of the rod is so freely dis- 
pensed, it must, almost of necessity, sometimes fall 
unjustly. Children perceive this quick enough ; and 
they also perceive, quick enough, when the teacher 
has a relish for that part of his duty — when the inflic- 
tions are not to be taken as evidences of love. 

There was a cross-grained old pedagogue who for 
many years taught the school in the north end of 



398 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

Boston, whose name was Croscobal — Crosscudgel, 
as the roguish boys persisted in calHng it. He loved 
to flagellate the children about as well as he loved to 
eat his breakfast ; but he did it on principle, of course. 
He became quite unpopular with the juveniles ; but 
the very cause that made him hateful to them made 
him popular with some of the inclement authorities. 
The benign proverb just quoted — " He that spareth 
his rod hateth," &c., was often upon his lips. And 
being extremely rigid in doctrine, he took special 
notice of the fact that children generally prefer to 
have love toward them manifested in some other way 
than by unmerciful thrashings ; which fact he regard- 
ed as undeniable evidence of innate depravity. He 
was a moral philosopher. And deeming the cries 
issuing from those undergoing chastisement but the 
shrieks of the devils with which they were possessed, 
he laid on with increased vigor, hoping to rid the 
youthful breasts, or backs, of the foul enemies that 
nestled there. 

He was a tall, raw-boned man, with wiry hair, and 
with his left temple conspicuously ornamented by a 
great red mother-mark, bearing a striking resem- 
blance to a knotty cudgel. But the nose was his 
most noticeable feature, for it was knocked up in 
such a remarkable way that its point actually stood 
out at a right angle with the facial plain. 

As this nasal elegance was not designed by nature, 
it may be well here to explain how it was formed. 
He had at some time during the third year of his 
experience as a Boston teacher, most cruelly flogged 
a bright little fellow for attempting imitations of his 



SCHOOL OPENS. 399 

motions. Most people are proud to have imitators ; 
but he chose to be offended. True, while the efforts at 
imitation were in progress, the other boys surrounded 
the performer laughing and shouting in high glee, 
and in the exuberance of their spirits indulging in 
various pleasant exclamations, such as, " Hitch along, 
old Crosscudgel ! " " Go it, one side at a time ! " " Now 
let 's see you turn your nose ; but take care boys !" 
" Give us the cudgel exercise ! " But there was no 
time for that, for down pounced the old man himself 
upon them, and led off the chief offender, to meet his 
doom. He was a good-natured, frolicksome boy, and 
quite popular in the school. So a conspiracy was 
presently formed among them to get a suck at the 
sweets that revenge is said to afford. 

In the aisle of the school-room, between the two 
rows of benches, was an aukwardly constructed trap- 
door, leading by a ladder to the deep, dark cellar-hole 
beneath. This door, if not carefully closed, was liable 
to tilt and suddenly send whoever stepped upon it 
into the dirty abyss below, to the danger of limbs or 
even life. But the little feet continued month after 
month to patter over it with few accidents. It was 
here that the ingenious little conspirators set their 
trap ; literally making the door a t7'ap-^oox. They 
drew it a little forward and sideling ; not enough to 
attract attention, but enough to answer the purpose. 

So the trap is set. The tyrant enters. And pres- 
ently every little tow-head is bent over a book or 
ciphering board. Indeed a little closer attention than 
usual characterizes the school on this eventful morn- 
ing. But all of a sudden there comes flying over the 



400 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

bowed heads, from the very backmost seat a thour- 
oughly saturated spit-ball, striking with a very un- 
pleasant smack directly on the frontal vacuum of the 
teacher. This was an unheard-of indignity. The 
insulted sovereign seized his weapon, and boiling with 
rage strode toward the offender. Three strides such 
as he took on this occasion, brought him to the fatal 
trap, which, having joined the conspiracy, performed 
its allotted part in perfect good faith, and — . . . . 
Down went Master Croscobal — down, like Ban- 
quo's ghost, only a great deal more rapidly than most 
players make the descent. He struck his nose fairly 
on the edge of the abyss, and with such terrible force 
as in a manner to tear it out by the roots ; and was 
otherwise so seriously injured that doubts were enter- 
tained of his surviving. The boys were very much 
alarmed and immediately summoned assistance. He 
was raised groaning from the pit and gently conveyed 
to his home where the surgeon set his broken leg 
and bound up his bruises. The doctor did all he 
possibly could to reinstate the mangled nose. And in 
time that indispensable feature became restored to 
its useful functions, but its comeliness was gone. 
He was confined to his house for many weeks, and 
suffered grievous pains. Whether he reflected on his 
cruelties and repented of them, does not appear. In- 
deed if he acted on principle, as has been explained, 
it is not likely that he did repent, for people do not 
often, when they review, repent of what they have 
done on principle unless they first veer from the 
principle itself It appears that to his dying day he 
never knew that the misplacing of the trap-door was 



SCHOOL OPENS. 4OI 

not a pure accident. How the knowledge was kept 
from him is mysterious. Had he been informed, it is 
enough to make one shudder to imagine the retribu- 
tion he would have meeted out. The sympathy 
between the backs of boys and their tongues, will 
sometimes induce the unruly member to keep silence 
when nothing else will. 

A letter written by one of the pupils of Master 
Croscobal to his twin sister, then absent from home, 
which gives a running account of this occurrence, 
among other matters of boyish interest, ought not to 
be overlooked. It shows what a Boston boy, at that 
early day, could do at composition. He ought to 
be praised for his spelling, as it is much more uniform 
than that of most of those even who kept the public 
records ; but he was evidently too intently engaged on 
his subject to experiment with orthography. Children 
tell the truth right out, hit where it may ; and it is 
a pity that historians do not more often light on their 
unprejudiced correspondence. Few would imagine, 
on perusing this letter, that its roguish author became 
one of the most learned and austere of the colonial 
clergy : 

" Deare Sister Lois : 

" Mother keepes a saying that I must rite a 
letter to you, and so I shal rite. First I wil tel about 
a beautyfull axcident that happend in oure scoole 
hows. Yesterday Sam found vnder oure henn coope 
a neest with 3 beautyfull little chucks. The axcident 
happend to olde Crosscudgell himselfe. You know 
the trapp doare thats rite in the ile ; and thats where 

26 



402 V, EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

it happend. Theres a beautyfull bumlebees neest rite 
in the wall out on the roade, by the corner. The 
trapp dore got shoved a little one syde ; sometymes 
itt wood happen soe. My old turtles dead ; he ate 
som rusty nales. Sam says he means to keepe them 
little chucks for you to play with when you com hom ; 
wont it be beautyfull. The boys told old Crosscudgell 
that a snake run into the wall ; and so he spudged in 
with his kane, where they told him ; and he hitt rite 
into the bumblebees neest ; and the bumblebees flew 
oute and stung him beautyfull. Some boddy throwed 
a grate spitt bawl and hitt old Crosscudgell rite on 
the forred. Them little chucks that Sams a going to 
keepe for you look beautyfull ; and they dont smell a 
bit ; M"" Copp says they never doe till they get bigger. 
When the spitt bawl hitt him hee cacht his stick and 
runn rite vpp the ile to whack Dave Wonson ; but 
Dave hadent done nothing. I wish you could a seen 
him hopp round when the bumblebees stung him soe ; 
it was beautyfull. Iza Redbacke mocked Crosscudg- 
ell, and got a licking for itt. His sister got lost in 
the woodes, and staid out most all nite ; every boddy 
turned oute to search for her ; they had drumms and 
horns and rattles and pine torches ; it was beautyfull ; 
Sam and I went too. When olde Crosscudgell trod 
on the trapp doare it sprung downe beautyfull ; jest 
lik a foxe trapp. Little Molly Melchers got the mea- 
zles ; mother lent em your pare of red stockings. 
All the menn are a going oute on a squirrell hunt 
next lecter day ; they eate vp every thing ; with gunns 
and pistoles ; wont itt bee beautyfull ; Sam and I will 
goe with em. When the trapp doare sprung downe, 



SCHOOL OPENS. 403 

downe went olde Crosscudgcll, rite into the cellar ; 
itt sprung beautyfull ; No boddy fixt the trapp doare 
soe ; itt happend. Sam and I went a ffishing over 
thrue M"" Canes lande and cacht a grate string of 
ffish ; itt was beautyfull sporte. When olde Cross- 
cudgell fell downe into the cellar, he hitt his nose an 
awfull crack rite against the sharpe edge. I know 
where theres a chesnutt tree thats chock ful of burrs. 
M"" Cane come along and took away all oure ffish ; he 
sayd they was his, cause wee stood on his lande when 
wee cacht em ; and I sposed they was. Sams a going 
to make mee a new bow gunn when bee cann gett a 
peece of boarde ; theres a boarde loos on the fens 
downe the lain ; maybee it will bio off some tyme. 
If we storme the bumblebees neest He save you som 
of my shair of the hunny. When fiather com hom 
by M"" Canes shopp, hee saw som nice ffish there, and 
bot em ; they was the same ffish Sam and I cacht ; 
soe wee had em for supper ; they was beautyfull ; 
Goodman Turners got a newe pigg ; hes black and 
yello ; his tale curls jest like a screw, and when you 
pull it harde hee squeels beautyfull. Wee told fiather 
all about the ffish, and jest how M"" Cane com by em ; 
he was som madd and sayd heed see about itt ; I dont 
spose now they was his jest cause wee stood on his 
lande when wee cacht em. When olde Crosscudgell 
hitt his nose soe beautyfull hee nockt it off rite by the 
rootes ; no, he didnt nock it quite off, but amost. 
The blood spirted oute beautyfull. He went rite 
downe onto the cellar rocks, and was almost killed. 
Wee thot hee was dead, and run oute and called in 
every boddy. They gott him vp and hee groaned 



404 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

beautyfull. Doctor Harker says hee gesses hee can 
patch vp the nose so as it will anser for som tyme 
yitt ; but hee says hee will never be abl to bio it as 
hard as he used to, soe that it cann be heard a myle 
off. And he says that it will allways stick vp, so that 
peeple musent stand in front when he blows ; but I 
dont kno what hee meanes by that. 

" O, Lois, theres lots of beautyfull funn about now. 
But youre a girle and dont kno what real funn is. 
I love you cause youre my twin sister and cause 
youre so goode. Ime sorry for you but cant help 
youre being a girle. We was born together ; but you 
dont blame mee because I was the boy and you was 
the girl, do you. I couldnt help itt. Itt happend. 

" Ive rit beautyfull two many tymes in this letter to 
sounde goode. But I cant think of no other worde 
that fitts in so beautyfull. 

" Your loveing brother, 

" Jeddie." 

It would be desirable, if space permitted, to intro- 
duce the pleasant letter of little Lois, in reply to her 
brother. But as it is, we must be contented with only 
a passage or two : 

" Deare Brother Jeddie : 

"The letter you rit to me is bewtifull ; and 
it was real goode of you to send itt. But youre in 
such a hurry to tel things you mix em all vp so as I 
have to reade ovr and ovr to kno what you meane ; 
you putt the bumblebees, and the little chucks, and 
Maister Crosscudgell, and the new pigg, and the fifish, 



SCHOOL OPENS. 405 

and all, in one heape. . . . Now, Jeddy, iff its real 
funn to see blood spirt out of a poor olde mans nose, 
and to heare him groane cause nauty boys have amost 
killd him, and to see him jump vpp cause the bum- 
blebees have stung him so, and such like things, Ime 
glad I dont know what real funn is. . . . You 
better tel Samm hee needent keepe them little chucks 
for mee ; I dont want em ; my mockinge birde and 
rabit is enuf . . . You needent pitty mee cause 
I was the girle and you was the boy. Ime real gladd 
it hapened soe. You love to bee a boy cause youre 
used to itt. Butt you dont kno how goode it is to be 
a girle, cause you never was a girle. . . . But I 
love you, Jeddie, I love you ever soe much, cause you 
love mee, and doe every thing for mee, and get mee 
every thing." . . . 

" Youre loveing Sister, 

" Lois." 

But by no means were all the teachers of the 
Croscobal order. Many possessed the highest quali- 
ties of poor human nature ; were devoted in their 
efforts to implant in the susceptible hearts committed 
to their charge, every virtue and grace ; were long- 
suffering and kind ; delighted in their laborious occu- 
pation because it afforded so many opportunities for 
doing good to the rising generation ; and were far 
above the harsh views so generally entertained at the 
period regarding youthful discipline. 

Of this genial class was the worthy Master Talbot 
who for a time kept in a forlorn little structure that 
stood cowering under a maple tree near the site of the 



406 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

literary rookery before referred to, that has now, for a 
great many years, stood on Washington street, at the 
corner of School. His learning was quite sufficient 
for all the requirements of the time. And the bland 
smile that constantly lighted up his countenance, 
indicated peace within and cheered the little ones 
onward in the path of duty. He had a pleasant way 
of imparting instruction, especially to the more ad- 
vanced class, of which, however, the number was 
small, for the youth were usually put to some trade 
or other productive employment at about the age of 
twelve. His instruction was given rather in the form 
of lectures than book lessons ; indeed school books 
were very scarce at that time ; and such as could 
be had, were of a dry, unattractive kind, and much 
of the teaching was necessarily without their aid. 
But when that matchless work, the New England 
Primer, was placed in the little abecedarian hands, 
how were the labors of the teachers lightened. It 
became an indispensable adjunct. How the bright 
young eyes sparkled over the quaint but spirited illus- 
trations. One little boy jumps up and squeaks out: 

" The cat doth play, 
And after slay." 

And then pauses in admiration of pussy, erect upon 
her hind legs,, playing a fiddle and trotting merrily 
over a snowy road, behind a sleigh. Wonderful con- 
ception of the delineator ! 

But Mr. Talbot must not be lost sight of. His 
pupils so loved him that they would run to meet him 
as he advanced along the lane, clad in his short 
waisted green bob-tail coat, his brown velvet doublet 



SCHOOL OPENS. 40/ 

and leather small-clothes. And if the time admitted 
he would often have some merry game with them 
before entering the lowly temple of learning in which 
they together worshipped. And sometimes, on a 
pleasant afternoon, he would take them forth into the 
fields and woods, to pick up such scraps of knowledge 
as they might find by the wayside ; and occasionally 
also to pick up brush and form faggots, each returning 
with one upon his shoulder, as a present to good 
dame Talbot for the heating of her oven. 

On these excursions, the worthy man would moral- 
ize and philosophize, as incident after incident sug- 
gested a theme, and so interest their young minds 
that sometimes they returned without a berry in their 
baskets, or a nut or wild grape. The margin of the 
brambly quagmire which grew into what is now the 
picturesque pond, upon the Common, was the scene 
of many a lecture on the evil tendency of indulgence 
in cruel sports ; for it was there that extraordinary 
temptations existed in the multitude of innocent 
bullfrogs and helpless tadpoles. 

But it cannot be said that Master Talbot was with- 
out his conceits. Indeed what teacher of youth ever 
existed without them. One of the most noticeable 
that rambled about in his brains merits some attention. 
It was what he called " the harmony of correspond- 
encies ; " and seems to have been something like 
this : that there existed an affinity between abstract 
mental qualities and natural substances — such as no 
philosopher before him had ever been able to trace. 
This conception would strike one as rather tending 
toward the materialism of which our fathers had such 



408 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

horror. But perhaps the idea is not fully expressed ; 
and a little elucidation by example will be well. 
Conceiving, for instance, that there was a harmonious 
correspondence between arithmetical perceptions and 
sweet flag root, he required every pupil, before com- 
mencing on his ciphering lesson, to take a great horn 
spoon full of a strong decoction of that useful root. 
Students in Latin, of whom he had some half dozen, 
had to be dosed with sage tea. Then there were his 
writing pills, his reading drops, and so on, through 
his brief catalogue of studies. Aside from any effect 
that this constant dosing had on the studies, it was 
useful in leading the children into the habit of taking 
medicine readily when they were sick — always a 
thing of great difficulty. If the patients of that time 
v.'ere not made well it was not because the doctors did 
not require them to take medicine enough ; and any 
discipline that could stimulate the appetite for drugs 
was to be highly approved. Alas for them, that the 
star of homeopathy had not then risen. 

And then again, Mr. Talbot's practice gave him a 
good opportunity to experiment with divers medicinal 
concoctions which a neighbor of his, a quack doctor, 
was continually getting up ; and in which, it was 
surmised, the master himself had some jDccuniary 
interest, for on his excursions he frequently gathered 
large bundles of roots and herbs which the boys were 
directed to leave at the doctor's door. 

I do not know that any means exist whereby the 
conclusions of Mr. Talbot touching the " harmony 
of correspondencies," could be very clearly shown to 
be without foundation, if any one had the hardihood 



SCHOOL OPENS. 4O9 

to dispute his claims, even in this day of philosophic 
radiance, which may be called the day of gas, as 
his has been called the day of the tallow-dip. It is 
sufficient to say of Master Talbot that he experi- 
mented with great diligence, and derived real satis- 
faction from his supposed discoveries. Yet he was 
very cautious in his experiments or he must have 
injured the health of the boys or poisoned them out- 
right. 

But Mr. Talbot's successor, a man of some note as a 
disciplinarian, who came up from Plymouth, turned 
the discovery of his predecessor, such as it was, to a 
very different account. Instead of using the decoc- 
tions and concoctions and simples, as aids to the 
studies, he procured new and more pungent ones, and 
remorselessly administered them by way of correction 
for misbehavior ; and not having half the discretion 
of Mr. Talbot, and as much again boldness, he came 
near killing several, before it was discovered what he 
was about. He made the unruly ones swallow enor- 
mous quantities of the most nauseating preparations ; 
was lavish in the use of chuck-cabbage and dragon- 
root, which grew in a field that lay in his route to 
school ; and carried things with a high hand generally. 

But he really took a good deal of interest in medical 
botany, and was constantly making inquiries of the 
Indians concerning the use of plants with which he 
was not familiar, and concerning their own prepara- 
tions. And he gained much valuable knowledge 
which he did not always put to good use. Arrow 
John assisted him in many ways ; and great reliance 
was placed on his information, on account of his 

R 



4IO V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

undoubted honesty, though he was well known to 
have a relish for the marvelous. Among other things 
he brought a sample of a liquid, which was to be taken 
in small doses, and which he said, would " make um 
jump, jump high ; and make um feel dam good." 
This was rather a questionable recommendation, to 
be sure ; though one that perhaps all the more ex- 
cited curiosity. So, upon a certain dull day, when the 
studies rather flagged, he took occasion to administer 
some of this mysterious provocative, not, however, as 
a punishment, but by way of scientific exploration. 
Those who took it were volunteers, indeed, though 
much after the fashion of volunteers for the guillotine, 
during the French Revolution. 

It happened on the same day that some members 
of the General Court called to inspect the school — the 
whole Court standing in the attitude of a general 
committee. And while they sat on the bench of dig- 
nity, with benign countenances and hopeful hearts 
carefully surveying the studious young phalanx, the 
doses began suddenly to operate. Up jumped a boy 
on the back seat, laughing, shouting, and capering, in 
a most indecent manner, declaring that he felt so 
good, he could not sit still. But his extatic career 
was soon brought to a close, by one who rushed up 
and dealt him such a blow in the face as started forth 
the crimson rivulets. Right upon that, another boy 
bounded over the seats, regardless of intervening 
heads, and planting himself before the astounded 
deputies began an incoherent oration, in which he 
magnified the failings of the master, abused the dig- 
nitaries themselves, and rattled away about tops and 



SCHOOL OPENS. 4 1 I 

marbles, occasionally pausing to whirl round, jump 
up, and strike at imaginary musquetoes. And now, all 
the doses were beginning to operate, and the victims 
were snapping off, all about the room, like kernels 
in a corn-popper. Had Cotton Mather been present, 
witchcraft would have had to take a dose that must 
have made it jump as high as any of them. As it 
was, however, the sage deputies were first astonished, 
then alarmed, and then panic stricken. And under 
the last they hastily made their way from the en- 
chanted precincts. 

The children who were subjected to this dangerous 
treatment do not appear to have suffered any essential 
injury, though prostration followed. Rigid inquiries 
into the affair were soon made, and the whole truth 
about the dosings came out. The venturesome mas- 
ter was forthwith banished, and went down into 
Rhode Island, where he acted as a sort of missionary 
among the Narragansetts. 

The allegation that there was actually a Court order 
excluding from the schools teachers who abstained 
from the free use of the rod, or even entertained 
scruples against the propriety of its use, I do not 
find confirmed. And indeed there does not appear 
to have been any such, to give occasion for that order. 

As to the studies in the schools, at that period, it 
is hardly worth while to say much. Reading, writing, 
and arithmetic, were the chief matters upon which 
the juvenile minds were required to exercise. Spell- 
ing does not appear to have been much meddled with ; 
though from the examples that have come dov/n to 
us it seems fair to suppose that they sometimes em- 



412 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

ployed their ingenuity in endeavoring to determine in 
how many different ways words could be spelled ; 
there being no settled rule of right. A few pupils 
grappled with the Latin, as that seemed a sort of 
mysterious out-post that should be occupied against 
the approaches of " y* ould deluder Satan." 

Some of the early sessions of the General Court 
were held at New Town — now Cambridge. And 
there appears to have been no better reason for this 
than that they were extremely anxious in their watch 
over the infant interests of the school, or college, 
established there, and which has become the renown- 
ed Harvard of the present day. Its infantile cries 
for nourishment, in the shape of grants, were often 
heard, and always regarded. It was a perfect pet, 
and sometimes seemed in danger of being spoiled by 
kindness. But had some of those who so generously 
ministered to its early necessities, foreseen its theo- 
logical waywardness, in after years, it is hard to tell 
whether it would have been caressed or spanked. 

In the journal of Mr. Pinion, under date 8 Septem- 
ber, 1635, appears a graphic account of .the doings 
of a committee appointed by the Court, at one of the 
regular sessions, to view a tract of land that had 
been petitioned for by the friends of the college. It 
does not exactly appear what the land was to be used 
for ; nor is it possible to determine just where it was 
situated, though it seems probable that it embraced 
the site of the present college buildings. They need- 
ed woodland and land to clear for the purposes of 
husbandry ; and the tract was very considerable. 



SCHOOL OPENS. 4I3 

Mr. Pinion indeed says something about the intention 
of the college officials to " raise cain ; " sugar-cane, 
I think he means, from what he afterward says ; a 
product which the settlers seem unaccountably to 
have imagined could be raised in New England. Be 
that as it may, however, it is certainly true that if the 
territory did embrace the present college precincts, 
" Cain " has been raised there a great many times in 
these later years. 

The committee, while professedly on duty, seem to 
have devoted a part of the time to recreation ; a fact 
most worthy of mention, such a thing being so rare 
in the whole history of legislative committees. In- 
deed they appear to have turned the occasion into a 
sort of jolly pic-nic, and to have been accompanied 
by sundry of the outside settlers, with their sisters, 
sweethearts, or wives, as the case might be. Mr. 
Pinion himself seems to have accompanied the com- 
mittee rather as a volunteer. Possessing a genial 
mind and large fund of information, his company 
must have been much desired on such an occasion. 
He says, " y° comittee w^ haue mee to goe w''» y™." 
His account affords an interesting picture of a wood- 
land party in those days, and we venture to introduce 
as large a portion of it as our limits will admit, in 
this connection : 

" On y'^ last 4"^ day, there being noe Co-'te, y com- 
ittee went fourth for to vewe y^ land named in y« 
peticon, and \v^ faine lighten their dewtys by takeing 
a company w* y"". Arryving betimes vpon y'' ground, 
we made our campe amoung dyvers great pynes, and 



414 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

after a short space for reste went to our task, y^ com- 
pany disporting y^selues as they w'', till our returne. 
On evry hand we saw great store of berrys, som 
black, som blew, and som red, most of y™ as we were 
apprised being apt for puddings and cackes. And 
while we were gon, an aboundance were pickt by y^ 
maides, som haueing brot callabashes and Indjan 
baskets. God be prais^ for y^ liberall hande vv"^ w* 
he hath provided for y^ comforte of his peeple in this 
far off wildernesse land. 

" Wee proceeded in our vewe, till at midday one 
blew a home, and we all gathered together in y^ cool 
shade, and betook ourselues to our repast, w*^ appe- 
tites well whetted by our roamings. But one whole 
basket of our most savoury provision was lost by a 
strange happening, w^^ was in this wise : While all 
were away from y^ campe, save one brave little maid 
who W^ stand awatch, but who had gon out a short 
space for som water, there came from y^ thickett a 
ravening ffox, who, smelling of y^ baskets, made chois 
of one, into w^'^ he thrust his head for to pull fourth a 
fowle. But y^ handle and strapp cacht soe about his 
neck, y' he c^' not w*''drawe it againe, and y*^ basket 
being too heavy for him to dragg, he seem'' a faste 
prisson*". But from fryght, or cunning, he then set 
vp a most distressful howle, and presently dyvers 
others came brisquely at his call. Seeing how mafs 
stood, and being dispos^ to save their freind as well 
as have a dainty morsell themselues, they joyn'' to- 
gether, and putting fourth all their strength, dragged 
off their compan°" and the basket together. All this 
y^ maide saw as shee return'^ from y^ spring, but was 



SCHOOL OPENS. 415 

too m'^'' afirightecl to make outcrie ; and y" theiveing 
ffoxes made off w'^ great speede. 

" Wh" y^ repast was ended, som of y*^* elder folk w^ 
take a quiet napp ; and to that end seated y'^selues 
against y'' trunks of y^ trees, I loudly warneing y"" to 
avoyd y'^ pines, lest y^ pitch should besmear their 
garments. While they were sleeping som of y= mis- 
cheivous damsels did slyly paint their faces w"' berry 
juce, in droll marks and figures, so y' wh" they avvok 
they did m'='' laugh at each other, all supposing that 
every one but himselfe had in sport so painted their 
faces, and wondering y* people so grave, should giue 
ouer to such prophane and childish sport. But y*' 
truth soone came out. Y^ chairman seem^ a little 
angry, but y« others presently laughed away his 
wrath, and he was as merry as an). Dame Willcox, 
not haueing heeded my caution, came fourth w''' her 
head as bawld as a pumpkin, m'^'' to y wonderment 
of divers present, who had never bin certified y' she 
wore a wigg. But I, surmising how y^ matter stood, 
went to y^ tree and dislodging y^ wigg, restored it, 
m'^'' besmeared w"^ pitch — she not haueing missed 
it, and wondering all y^ time what cans'' y^ merryment 
when she cam in from her napp. 

" Y'' elder ones and comittee men w^ now hold 
grave discourse touching our prospects as a peeple. 
We are here in a goodlie lande, w*'^ a purifyed faith 
and w* godly ones amoungst vs to rightly administer 
y^ holie ordinances and diligently catechize and ad- 
monish. But we must be watchfull of our priviledges 
or ravening wolves will enf and make spoyl of our 
peace. Wee doe indeed even already heare some 



4l6 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

scratching at our doors. God preserve vs. Those 
of pestigeous teaching and ungodly living must haue 
y*^ doore shut against y™, yea and lockt too. 

" All y^ plantacons are makeing what haste they 
cann to erect habitacons and plant feilds. Y^ bigg 
savves are now bravely at work, and boards begin to 
com fast to our joyners their hands. Bricks for 
chimneys and ovens can be made from y^ aboundance 
of clay, and lime for mortar can be made from y*^ shels 
piled on y^ beaches. Y^ kine can find ample pasture 
in y® clearings, and m'^'^ of y^ winter provender can be 
taken from y^ marish lands by y'= sea. Swine can 
find aboundance of rootes and acorns in y^ woodes to 
gro fatt vpon in sumer, and for winter a store of mast 
and Indjan corn can be gather"^. 

" Wh* we most need are skill*^ craftsmen and labour- 
ers. Y^ Indjans will do nothing soe long as they 
can make more by stealing than by worke. But 
there will presentlie come over those we want, and 
we shal prosp"". We shal soon haue faire towns on 
every side. We must make haste to plant trees, for 
they will grow while we are about other businesses, 
and bear their fruits for our children. If we be poor, 
we can leave rich orchards for them to enjoy. And 
M"" Hollyhock hath well sayd y' he y* planteth and 
nurtureth a choice fruit tree, raiseth to himselfe a 
monument more honorable than one of marble. Y^ 
apple and peare we now finde thrive well hereabout ; 
and by a little labour and watching we may soone 
haue all y^ pleasant fruits of Olde England at our 
doors. 

" We find but few large wild fruits in y* woods 



SCHOOL OPENS. 417 

about vs, but aboundance of grapes and other small 
fruits. Y^ garments we brought w"' vs being mostly 
worne out, we haue bin som cxercis'' for y'^ meanes 
whereby to replace y"". And in y^ Gen''all Co^'t m"^'' 
discussion hath bin had on y^ question. It is patent 
y* flax may well supply our needs for y^ lighter 
fabricks, and in tyme wool will com plentyfully in, for 
many sheepe are already in y^ plantacons. Spinning 
wheels begin to be heard in our habitacons, and 
dames and maides must be exercised at y^ same. 
Prosperity cometh of industry and frugalitie ; and 
there being few slothful or extravagant amoungst vs, 
we must prosp''. We haue leather for our shews and 
many soft skins for our outer garments and for strong, 
warm breeches. M"^'^ discourse did y^ members haue 
on these matters, saying y' all should ponder there- 
vpon, to y'^ end y' in Co''te they might act wisely. 

" Likewise m*^^^ discourse was had about y^ schoole 
at New Towne, whose needes y" Co^^te hath m'^^ con- 
sider'^, and for whose benefit y^ goodlie lands we were 
there that day vewing, are askt. We praise God for 
that hee hath giuen vs a sens of y^ blessedness of 
learning, for w^'^out y' and godliness, we but plant 
and water in vaine. Learning is y'^ surest weapon 
wherewith to doe battel against Sathan. It is as 
deadlie poyson to y^ ould deludour as is y'^ ash branch 
to y^ serpent y^ crawleth. And learning, too, is y'' 
cheif help to make a people great in a worldly way. 
And God graunt y' y^ schoole may one day become a 
great colledge, sending fourth godlie teachers and 
grave men as ensamples. May y^ blessed Trinity, 
ev'' be enthroned there, puryfying hearts and sheding 
R* 27 



41 8 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

abroad aboundance of grace. While such grave dis- 
course was going on amoungst y^ elders, y^ young 
folk were ingaged in divers pertinent sports and plea- 
santries. 

" Presentlie there appear^ comeing ouer y^ hills, 
y^ Indjan cheife Arrow lohn and his dafter Sunny 
Wave, on their way to M"" Eliott his hows. We were 
faine to perswade y™ to tarry and join our companie. 
And they did, being hungry and weary. Seating 
y^selves vpon a rock, they heartily partook of y^ frag- 
ments y' remained from our feast, y"^ cheife saying he 
m'='^ loued y^ white man his bread and oth"" meats ; 
and looking vp to one of y® dames, say^ in comical 
pleasantrie y* he W^ m* like to haue a white squaw 
to keepe his lodge and prepare for him such savoury 
food. Sunny Wave, heareing this, sprang up, in a 
tumult of greif, her tears bursting fourth. And then 
throwing her armes loveingly about his neck, quoth 
sobingly, ' No, no, my fadher, I do all ; I learn all 
white squaw doe. When white squaw come she say, 
You do this ; you do that ; you go here ; you go 
there ; you send Sunny Wave off. O, my fadher, 
then I die.' And she weep' on his bosom. And 
he, being m* ov''com at hir distress, leap' vp, and 
hugged her close, saying, * No, no, dam white squaw ; 
if white squaw come I say, you go off; Sunny Wave 
do all ; go off ; I stamp foot and take bow to shoot, 
if not go off. I swear, too, swear much. Com, com, 
little squaw, no ky, no ky ; dam white squaw.' 

" We did all behold w"^ amazement such tendernes, 
amoung salvages, and w'^ haue praised it, save for 
y^ prophanitie. Presentlie all was again faire, and 



SCHOOL OPENS. 419 

Arrow lobn entertained y"^ elders w''' m'^'' good dis- 
course ab* y Indjans and y« countrey. But he must 
needs intwine soe many foolish stories about what 
hapened in y^ time of his grandfath"", and soe m^'^ about 
wonderfull beasts and dreadfull happenings y' som 
tho' little of y^ manie good and true things he did 
vtter. He verily is one of good partes, haueing 
manie generous and esteemable moveings, w''' m'^'' 
quickness. But devill-sown tares have sprung vp 
in his untutoured heart, w'^'^ nothing but diligent 
christian tillage can roote out. And we haue great 
satisfacon in knoweing y' M"" Eliott, y^ m'^'' loued 
minister of Roxberry church thinketh well of him 
and hath declared y' he will doe his utmost to bring 
both him and his loueable dafter to y^ fountain of 
grace and truth. 

" Sunny Wave joyn'^ in y^ sports of y'^ young folk 
^th j^ch relish, and astonish'^ vs all w* her agile 
pranks. They w'^ haue hir show y"* som of y^ sports 
wherew"' Indjan maides exercise y'^selues ; and she 
quicklie did as they desir^, every movement being 
w'^^ surprising gracefulnes. She was bedeck^ in a 
rich Indjan dress trim'^ w''' choice furr and wrought 
about w^'' gay feathers. White eagle plumes waved 
vpon hir head, and strings of y^ rarest wampum were 
about her neck. And then hir radient look and 
merry voyce and gracefull rompings keept y'^ eyes 
of all vpon hir. 

" Y" damsels did make m"^'' of Sunny Wave, and 
w^ bedeck hir in theire owne apparrall, their petty- 
coates, gownes and capps. She was m^'^ diverted at 
their conceit and straitway put on the garments they 



420 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

gave hir, and in returne w^^ haue one of them put on 
hir pretty drapery ; w^'^ being don, she sayd now she 
saw y' pale face girles c^ not make such maides as 
y*^ young red warriors w^ love. 

" All being gath'''^ togeth"^ we made readie to sing 
som psalms. And presently y^ godlie melody began 
to ring inspiringly in y*" woodes. But uery soone, 
m* to our astonishment and chagrin, a whole army 
of unmannerly crows appear'' in y*^ braunches about, 
and set vp s'^'^ a horrible haw-hawing y' we were forc'^ 
to stop y^ ex''cise. It seem*^ as if a thousand of y^ im- 
pudent birdes had set to deriding vs, and mocking 
our holie song ; and their outcrys were beginning to 
draw hundreds of oth''s as saucy as y^selves. Yet it 
was soe comical a turne y' few of vs could restraine 
laughter. 

" Sunny Wave did laugh — albeit som will haue 
it y' Indjans nev"" laugh — til y* teares roll^ adown 
her glossy brown face. And presentlie she sayd 
y' y^ crows nev*" did soe vpon an Indjan song. Then 
one besaught hir to try ; and w''' great readines she 
began in a strange, low harmony, hir bird like voyce 
rising clear and plaintive as a well-play"^ lute, till it 
broke fourth into strains so wild and rich y* we could 
but hold our very breath in wond"" and admiracon. 
And to our amazem^ not one twitter did y^ crowes 
vtter til she was don. They w'^ stretch downe their 
heads and twist their necks, allmost losing their poise 
to catch sight of y^ sweet sing''. 

" Aff ending hir delightsome song, she bade vs, 
again try one of our godlie psalms. Y'^ chairman gave 
y^ pitch, and we again started fourth w* m*^'' hearti- 



SCHOOL OPENS. 421 

nes. But our ex''cise, tho I think there was more 
godhness in it, I am fain to alow fell far short of hirs 
in melody. But we did our best, when beholde, y*^ 
il-behaved crowes again began to hopp about and 
haw-haw more saucily y" befour. Then did all againe 
breake fourth in laughter, Sunny Wave looking vp 
and talking loudlie to y'" in hir owne tongue as if she 
w^^ giue y'" a livelie scolding for y"" impudence. Then 
did we press hir to sing anoth"^ Indjan song, w'^'' she 
did, y^ crowes keeping stil silence as befour. And 
then did we once more essay a psalm ; but tho we 
chang'^ y^ key and time it was all y^ same ; they 
w"^ neith'' hear vs nor let vs hear o''selues. Y^ pious 
wrath of y^ chair"'" was now kindled, and he declared 
y* as our songs were holie, y^ devill must be workeing 
in y^ birdes to stopp God his worshipp in y^ vse of y® 
psalms ; they being readie enow to list" to heathen 
salvage songs, becaus they and y^ salvages be alike 
children of y^ devill. So we were faine to giue over 
y attempt at musick, and betake o''selues againe to 
talk and pleasantrie. [It does not appear to have 
occurred to any of them during this remarkable scene 
that the crows may have had some appreciation of the 
loftiness of the christian exercise, and were moved to 
do what they could with their unmanageable voices 
to aid in the sacred harmony. Perhaps they were 
caws of approbation rather than derision. Men are 
not unmistakable interpreters of the language of ani- 
mals. We all know what tremendous howls, as we call 
them, dogs will often set up on hearing a heavy musical 
instrument briskly played, or on hearing a bell vigor- 
ously rung. But who can say whether they are thus 



422 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

giving expression to pleasure or pain ; whether their 
outrages upon harmony are offerings of applause, 
attempts at accompaniment, or groans of distress.] 

" Sunny Wave took m'^'' paines to teach y^ maides 
how to make green wreathes and chaines, and how to 
weave rushes into capps, and make basketts of bark ; 
likewise oth'' pleasant little artes. 

" Night drew on apace, and we prepar'^ to returne 
to our homes. M"" Callings, y^ memb"" from y'' vpper 
Boston precinct, being in haste, hauing y^ old bull to 
look after, did set off somewhat befour y^ oth''s, say- 
ing he well knew 3^^ way, and had no feare. And we 
arriv'', a little w'''in y^ night, m'^'^ wearied. But there 
was no reste for vs, as we were presentlie certify^ that 
M"" Callings had not bin scene. We were sorely 
perplex^, not knowing whith"" to goe in search of him. 
His absence being noysed abroad, there soone assem- 
bled a multitude, som w* lanthorns and som w"^ guns ; 
likewise one came w^*^ a drum and anoth'' w'^ a lustie 
trumpet, that alarum might speedily be giuen. With- 
out loss of tyme we began to scower y^ woodes. But 
y^ night being dark we were m'^" put to it to finde 
our way amoung y'^ trees and tangled underbrush, 
bumping and stagering about, now brused by stumps, 
and then scratch'' by thorns ; somtymes falling ouer 
sharpe rocks, and somtymes sinking in boggs. Yet, 
not knowing but our neighbour might fall a pray to 
som evil beaste, we w'' not giue ouer our quest. Som 
w**^ torches dim'' y*^ hills, others made search in y^ 
valleys and swamps. 

" At last, when nigh midnight, one heard neare 
him a lustie growl as if of som salvage beaste. Run- 



SCHOOL OPENS. 423 

ning back a space and being join'^ by another w"^ a 
gunn, they went boldly toward y^ place whence y^ 
sound cam. By y^ light of y^ torches they presentlie 
descried a huge and saluage wolfe lying w^'' his head 
vppon his paws, glaring at y™ thro y^ underbrush, 
and seemingly keeping guard ouer something. Y^ 
musquetier at once bro' his piece to bear, as best he 
c'', and then discharg*^ y® same ; but wheth'' y^ beast 
was hurt or no, none c'^ tel ; for he did not stopp to 
face a second discharg, but w* a fearfull growl dashed 
off into y^ thickett, nothing mor being heard of him, 
save a growl in y^ distanc. And then they heard a 
faint cry as if comeing vpp from a pitt in y^ earth. 
And summoning anotly, whose torch was scene at 
y^ foot of a hil ouer against where they stood, they did 
begin a farder search ; when lo, after a little, they 
found a yawning wolfe pitt, w'=^ had bin digg'^ by 
M"" Callings himself, for to entrapp a mischievous old 
wolfe w* had at sundry times despoyl'^ him and his 
neighbours of divers goates and oth"" small cattle. 

" At y^ bot™ of y^ pitt, seemingly more dead y" alive, 
lay y^ lost man, he haueing fall" into his owne trapp. 
Speedily getting downe to him, they found him verie 
m'^'^ affrighted tho not m"^'^ hurt. And when he was 
somewhat restor^ he sayd y' as he came athwart 
y= woodes, at a brisque pace, it being som dark, and 
thinking of noe dang"", he suddenlie fell headlong into 
his owne pitt, y^ bottom of w"^'^ he had but reached 
when he heard a fierce growl, and immediately there- 
vppon som evil beaste or devil sprang vppon his 
shoulders and from his shoulders to y® brink, and soe 
oute ; thus cunninglie escapeing from y^ trapp. Pres- 



424 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS, 

entlie y^ beaste w'^ had so made a stepping stone 
of his shoulders, and w* he now was perswaded must 
be y^ same olde wolfe for w'^'^ he had made y^ pitt, 
w'*^ great saucines return'', and seemingly set himselfe 
as guard ov'' y^ prisoner w"^ whom he had soe manag"^ 
to change places. Y^ beaste walked about y*^ brink 
of y*^ pitt, and somtimes paused to glare downe vppon 
him, as if taunting him w^'> his mishap, and saying, 
Now my maister, you thot to catch me, but who is 
each' now ? Som grievous scratches were likewise 
dealt by y^ watchfull beaste, who w' thrust downe a 
claw whenever y^ unfortunat prison"" putt himselfe 
w''Hn reach. And soe m'^'^ danger was there, y' he 
w'' fain lie down at y^ botom of y^ pitt, to waite for 
what y^ morning sh^ bring fourth, pond'^ing, y'^ while 
on y^ blessed scripture les" of Joseph in y^ pitt in 
y° wildernes, and drawing pious comforte therefrom." 

The committee made a report which afforded the 
utmost satisfaction to the petitioners. There was 
not a whiff of east wind in it. Its kindly recommen- 
dations were graciously confirmed by the docile Court. 
And the complacent college, at the present day, would 
not damage its reputation for gratitude by an occa- 
sional acknowledgment, in its annual celebrations, 
of its indebtedness to that crow-abused committee. 

The establishment of the school, or college, at New 
Town, shows how highly the good people esteemed 
learning, and how early they looked to such means 
to dignify and invigorate the policy they aimed to 
inaugurate. And not being destitute of a loving 



SCHOOL OPENS. 425 

memory, nor unmindful of titular value, they present- 
ly changed the name of the place from New Town to 
Cambridge, looking trustfully forward to the time 
when it would rival its honored archetype, the emi- 
nent seat of learning in Old England ; a time which 
very soon arrived — that is, in the ardent imaginings 
of its affectionate issue and sanguine friends. 

Great pains were taken to have the management 
of the institution in learned and pious hands. But 
that the Court, or those to whom was delegated the 
power of appointment were not always fortunate in 
the selection of incumbents is abundantly proved. 
There was Nathaniel Eaton, who was superintendent 
while it was yet simply called " The Schoole," and 
who was in office at the time of Harvard's memorable 
bequest, in 1638, who bore himself so unhandsomely 
that they were forced to pass the following order : 

" M"" Nathaniell Eaton, being accused for cruell & 
barbaros beating of M"" Naza : Briscoe, & for other 
neglecting & misvseing of his schollers, it was ordered, 
that M"" Eaton should bee discharged from keeping 
of schoale w''' vs w''^out licence ; & M"" Eaton is fined 
to the countrey 66^- \y- 4'^-, w* fine is respited till 
the next Court, vnles hee remove the meane while. 
The Court agreed M"" Eaton should give M''Naza: 
Briscoe 30''- for satisfaction for the wrong done him, 
& to bee paid presently." [Court Records, Sept 9, 
1639. 

Briscoe was an usher at the new seat of learning, 
and appears to have been very respectably connected. 



426 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

From some cause Eaton conceived a strong preju- 
dice toward him, and when he had been there but 
two or three days violently assaulted him and turned 
him out of doors, for some trivial offence. It was 
Sunday night, and Briscoe got in again, when the 
quarrel was renewed. Finally, Eaton directed one 
of his men to bring him a cudgel ; and he brought a 
walnut one, " big enough to have killed a horse." 
With this, having two of his men to hold the poor 
usher, he bestowed on him two hundred merciless 
blows ; continuing, with a few short intermissions, to 
beat him for some two hours, when his cries brought 
in the neighbors. Briscoe, supposing he was to be 
killed outright, fell to praying ; whereupon Eaton 
beat him the more furiously, under pretence of pun- 
ishing him for thus taking the name of God in vain. 

The outrage created a good deal of excitement, as 
well it might, and the General Court, as we have 
seen, took the matter in hand. Eaton was cited, and 
appeared in Court ; but his answers to the charges 
" were full of pryde and disdaine." 

It appeared during the examination that Eaton had 
unmercifully flagellated other pupils ; and not only 
that, but there were grave charges against him for 
scantily providing them with food, and forcing them to 
partake of that which was unpalatable and unwhole- 
some, or go hungry. His wife was examined on 
these points of accusation, which seemed especially 
within her sphere of knowledge. And from her 
confession a precious glimpse of life at infantile Har- 
vard may be had. We present all that is necessary, 
in the form of a note, the orthography being modern- 



SCHOOL OPENS. 42/ 

ized, according to Savage's Winthrop. It may be 
premised, however, that Winthrop says of the stu- 
dents, " their diet was ordinarily nothing but porridge 
and pudding, and that very homely."* 



* The contrite matron, with heroic simplicity goes on to say : 
" For their breakfast, that it was not so well ordered, tlie flonr not 
so fine as it might, nor so well boiled or stirred, at all times : that it 
was so, it was my sin of neglect and want of that care that ought to 
have been in one that the Lord had intrusted with such a work. 
Concerning their beef that was allowed them, as they affirm, which, I 
confess, had been my duty to have seen they should have had it, and 
continued to have had it, because it was my husband's command ; but 
truly I must confess, to my shame, I cannot remember that ever they 
had it, nor that ever it was taken from them. And that they had not 
so good or so much provision in my husband's absence as presence, 
I conceive it was because he would call sometimes for butter or cheese 
when I conceived there was no need of it ; yet, forasmuch as the 
scholars did otherways apprehend, I desire to see the evil that was in 
the carriage of that as well as in the other, and to take shame to myself 
for it. And that they sent down for more, when they had not enough, 
and the maid should answer, if they had not, they should not, I must 
confess that I have denied them cheese when they have sent for it and 
it have been in the house ; for which I shall humbly beg pardon of them 
and own the shame, and confess my sin. And for such provoking 
words, which my servants have given, I cannot own them, but am 
sorry any such should be given in my house. And for bad fish, that 
they had it brought to table, I am sorry there was that cause of offence 
given them. I aclmowledge my sin in it. And for their mackerel, 
brought to them with their guts in them, and goat's dung in their 
hasty pudding, it is utterly unknown to me ; but I am much ashamed 
it should be in the family, and not prevented by myself or servants, 
and I humbly acknowledge my negligence in it. And that they made 
their beds at any time, were my straits never so great, I am sorry they 
were ever put to it. 

" For the Moor, [probably a slave, says Savage] his lying in Sam. 
Hough's sheet and pillow-bier, it hath a truth in it ; he did so one 
time, and it gave Sam. Hough just cause of offence ; and that it was 
not prevented by my care and watchfulness, I desire to take the shame 



428 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

The General Court of this day would have enough 
on their hands if they undertook to deal with all such 
delinquents. As before shown, Eaton was dismissed 
and fined. And he afterward manifested a very per- 
verse disposition, giving the government and church 
authorities a good deal of trouble. He went to Vir- 
ginia, and there took upon himself to fill the sacred 
office of minister ; but, says Winthrop, "was given up 
of God to extreme pride and sensuality, being usually 
drunken." In the Briscoe affair, however, it is just to 
remark that the visher could not have been altogether 
blameless, for no sane man would have done as Eaton 



and the sorrow for it. And that they ate the Moor's crusts, and the 
swine and they had share and share alike ; and the Moor to have 
beer, and tliey denied it ; and if they had not enough, for my maid to 
answer, they should not ; I am an utter stranger to these things, and 
know not the least footsteps for them so to charge me. And if my 
servants were guilty of such miscarriages, had the boarders complained 
of it unto myself, I should have thought it my sin if I had not sharply 
reproved my servants and endeavored reform. And for bread made 
of heated, sour meal, although I know of but once that it was so, 
since I kept house, yet John Wilson affirms it was twice ; and I am 
truly sorry that any of it was spent amongst them. For beer and 
bread, that it was denied them by me betwixt meals, truly I do not 
remember that ever I did deny it unto them. And John Wilson will 
affirm that generally the bread and beer was free for the boarders to 
go unto. And that money was demanded of them for washing the 
linen, it is true it was propounded to them but never imposed upon 
them. And for their pudding being given the last day of the week 
without butter or suet, and that I said it was miln of Manchester in 
Old England, it is true that I did say so, and am sorry they had any 
cause of offence given them by having it so. And for their wanting 
beer betwixt bi^ewings, a week or half a week together, I am sorry 
that it was so at any time, and should tremble to have it so were it in 
my hands to do again." 



SCHOOL OPENS. 429 

did, without provocation. Indeed something is said 
of Briscoe's drawing a knife when he got into the 
house after being thrust out. Further interesting 
facts in the personal history of Eaton, after he left 
the college, might be presented, but enough has 
appeared, to give a general idea of his character. 

Perhaps a little something further should be said 
respecting corporeal punishment in Harvard college. 
It was a subject that exercised the Court considerably 
at different times. Here is one order : 

" Itt is heereby ordered, that the president and 
fellowes of Harvard Colledg, for the tjme being, or 
the majo*" part of them, are heereby impowred, accord- 
ing to theire best discretion, to punish all misde- 
meanors of the youth in theire society, either by fine 
or whipping in the hall openly, as the nature of the 
offence shall require, not exceeding tenn shillings or 
tenn stripes for one offence." [Court Records, Oct. 
14, 1656. 

This seems to place the pecuniary value of stripes 
at a shilling each ; and it is probable that they were 
to be " well laid on " — harder than they would be 
now, as money was of greater relative value. It is 
not, however, to be understood that it was left to the 
option of the students to choose the mode of their 
punishment ; had it been, few probably would have 
chosen the stripes, as their own backs must have 
felt the retributive strokes ; while in the matter of 
fine, the parental purse would be made to respond. 



430 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

It is hardly presumable that the foregoing enact- 
ment was elicited from any doubt as to the common 
law right of a teacher to enforce discipline by a rea- 
sonable use of the rod. And it is quite certain that 
long before, the college walls had echoed with the 
wails of students under that emphatic kind of disci- 
pline. Nor does it seem that such inflictions were 
confined to infractions of mere college law ; there 
frequently appearing something very much like an 
assumed jurisdiction concurrent with the criminal 
courts. To say nothing of the severities of Mr. 
Eaton, there was an instance in 1644, wherein two 
students, one a son of Rev. Nathaniel Ward, of Ips- 
wich, and the other a son of Rev. Thomas Weld, 
of Roxbury, received a whipping from the hands of 
the worthy president himself The age of each of the 
offenders was about twenty years, and their offence 
was not delinquency in college duties, but robbing 
certain dwelling houses in the night time — flat bur- 
glary. And the occurrence shows that teachers then 
considered themselves supervisors of the morals as 
well as the studies of the youth committed to their 
care, and authorized to call them to account for their 
doings out of school as well as in ; a thing that teach- 
ers at this day ignore to a lamentable extent. But 
the morals of the community would not probably be 
much damaged should the old ideas and customs 
again prevail. 

And now it becomes expedient to introduce a brief 
narration which may at first appear rather episodical ; 
but the reader will in the end perceive its applicability 



SCHOOL OPENS. 43 I 

to our main purpose. It relates to the doleful days 
of Witchcraft. 

Quite within view of the members of the General 
Court, of this day, as they step from the lordly portals 
of the State House, lies a considerable portion of the 
territory anciently composing the great Town Pasture 
of Boston, which included a corner of the now vaunted 
Common. There were many cows then kept to supply 
the lacteal necessities of the virtuous people, for in 
those unsophisticated days it had not been discovered 
how easily all precious fluids might be extended — 
how easily the well, the rill, or even the mud-puddle 
could be made to increase the blessed secretion of the 
kine. 

This pasture was enclosed by a substantial cobble- 
stone wall, such as surrounds many an acre in the 
rural districts of New England at the present day, 
with gaps of untrimmed cedar rails at convenient 
points. It embraced some pleasant little knolls and 
groves to which the old might repair to meditate, and 
the young to bill and coo. There were also sections 
in which nature appeared in her more untamed aspect 
Here and there was a blueberry or huckleberry patch, 
to which the school-boy would in summer resort with 
his pail or basket of birch. From among the loose 
rocks arose the prim barberry bush, to whose scarlet 
berries the rabbet would look wishfully up from his 
bed of crackling autumn leaves. There were hollows 
of stagnant water and mud, around which the berry 
boys would gather to seek relief from their labor, by 
stoning the frogs and tormenting the helpless tadpoles. 
There were brambly bogs and cranberry patches, and 



432 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

damp vallies filled with great flaunting ferns. And 
there were poor little streams working wearily along 
among the rocks and rushes. 

On a knoll near the centre of the pasture was a 
small grove of decrepit trees, so ancient that for many 
generations the red men might have held their coun- 
cils in their shade, or the dusky maidens sung their 
songs of love. The underbrush had long refused to 
grow there, either because it did not fancy such old 
company or because its due share of sunshine was 
intercepted. 

It was a convenient spot for keeping a watch along 
the road that led out toward the south-western settle- 
rnents, and afforded views of the harbor and the more 
thickly settled portions of the straggling town. But 
it was a place rather avoided than frequented by the 
people of the town, for to reach it a girdle of swampy 
land, with briars and interweaving vines must be 
crossed. And besides, there was a report that rattle- 
snakes and other unenjoyable creatures sometimes 
appeared to dispute the way. There was a narrow 
footpath on the northerly side, in which the mud was 
not always over shoes, and in which there had been 
discovered cloven footprints of most alarming dimen- 
sions. It was a weird spot, particularly on a tempes- 
tuous night, when the gaunt old trees were groaning 
and throwing about their spectral limbs. The damp 
easterly winds came howling over the crest in grim 
glee, and roared about as if seeking the things most 
worthy of their spite. 

It was upon this spot, as many believed, that the 
witches held their meetings during the bitter days 



SCHOOL OPENS. 433 

of the excitement. And surely no better place could 
have been chosen, for there was no habitation within 
the distance to which the noise of their incantations 
would be likely to reach, and no danger from chance 
travelers. 

Perhaps a furlong off, near the Roxbury road, was 
the house of Hope-in-God Granger, a thrify farmer, 
whose specialty was the raising of Indian corn and 
pumpkins. Potatoes, as the reader well knows, had 
hardly been heard of in those days ; and there was 
no outcry, every autumn, all over the land, about the 
ravages of the potato rot. Had they been subjected 
to such a calamity, with their few resources, many 
wails would have ascended with their thanksgivings. 
The great barn of Mr. Granger was seated in a hollow, 
some distance from his house, and in sight of the 
knoll just described. Within its protecting walls, on 
the evening of a harvest day, a sight was often pre- 
sented enough to gladden the eyes of Madam Ceres 
herself, as well as those of the demure kine as they 
filed in, after cropping the crisp and innutritious 
herbage. 

I find a little obscurity in the record as to the 
precise time at which the incident I am about to 
relate occurred. But it is sufficient to say that it 
transpired during the early part of those years of 
distress in which the realities of witchcraft were so 
fatally manifest. It had long been suspected that a 
fearful storm was brewing ; that satan was preparing 
for a vigorous assault on God's chosen people here 
gathered, once in such hopeful obscurity. 

There was a certain old woman in the vicinity, 
s 28 



434 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

known as Goodwife Backshod, who had been long 
thought to be in training by the evil one for the 
practice of the black art. She was squint-eyed and 
querulous ; both very suspicious marks. And then 
she was coarse in her manners and habits. The 
suspicions, however, seem first to have arisen from 
the fact that the prints of cloven-feet had sometimes 
been observed in the lane where she lived, and about 
her unenclosed door-yard ; and they were strengthen- 
ed by the circumstance that when she took possession 
of her lonely habitation, she removed with her own 
hand, the horse-shoe which a former occupant had 
nailed to the lintel, declaring that she had no fear of 
the devil's disturbing her. And then she had three 
black cats, who would sit at table for their meals, and 
before partaking fold their fore paws and look de- 
murely down for a few moments ; which extraordinary 
accomplishment was taught them by incalculable pa- 
tience, and was done, many thought, in derision of the 
pious duty of asking a blessing. 

It was also alleged that two or three times, on dark 
nights, a strangely ill-shaped black man — at least 
the observers thought him black — with a square 
package under his arm, was seen whipping around 
the corner of the house. And furthermore, on one 
extremely tempestuous night, he was seen passing 
down the lane, with a lantern, and when opposite the 
window that was toward the road, a light appeared at 
one of the four little panes, as if placed there as some 
sort of signal. And whenever and wherever he was 
seen, he had the same bundle under his arm, which 
led to the conclusion that it contained the record 



SCHOOL OPENS. 435 

book of the witches, and that he was a duly appointed 
traveling scribe. 

Then there was an old man with toothless gums 
and bristling gray beard, who had long been known 
as traveling from place to place with herbs and a few 
simple remedial concoctions for sale, and who had got 
the ill-will of many, though no one could lay a finger 
on any evil act of his nomadic life. He was seen one 
day with some loose leaves of a book, which he was 
poring over very attentively, the leaves being about 
the size of those of the supposed book carried by the 
black man. It was therefore imagined that they were 
minutes of occurrences in the world of witchery which 
had not then been fully recorded. There were others, 
in the different neighborhoods, who, by evidence quite 
as conclusive, were set down as preparing to practice 
in the dark mysteries already the subject of great and 
increasing apprehension. 

And then it became loudly talked that the wizards 
and witches had actually begun to hold weekly meet- 
ings and partake of the devil's sacrament somewhere 
in the Boston Great Pasture ; meetings which were 
attended by those from far and near who had bartered 
away their souls, after death, for certain undefined 
supernatural powers to be exercised in this world. 
The magistrates and lesser officers were at once on 
the alert, and suitable measures taken to ascertain 
the precise locality where the satanic orgies were 
held, as well as to gather proof respecting the persons 
who attended. This was difficult, because few had 
courage to watch, at night, in that lonely pasture — 
and the meetings were never held by day. A con- 



43^ V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

siderable time elapsed before any material develop- 
ments took place. 

Finally, one afternoon, a student hurried over from 
Harvard college, professing to have been sent by the 
president, and notified the magistrates that certain 
information had been obtained that the witches were 
that very night to hold a grand meeting on the knoll 
in the Great Pasture, before described. Spirited 
measures were at once adopted to make a descent — 
or more literally an ascent — for the capture of the 
whole band — black spirits and white, blue spirits 
and gray — and thus at one fell swoop utterly extin- 
guish the infernal fire before it could spread beyond 
control. 

The student suggested the propriety of conducting 
the affair in as private a manner as possible, both to 
prevent a miscarriage and to avoid becoming objects 
of spite and evil machination. There was soon much 
running here and there, many confidential consulta- 
tions, and many brave utterances of determination 
to do good service in the hazardous enterprise. By 
the hour appointed, which was rather early in the 
evening, a motley array of strong armed heroes, 
backed by courageous hearts, were assembled at the 
meeting house — on the lee side, for the wind was 
chilly — ready to march forth, unflinchingly, to cap- 
ture the infernal crew who were so conspiring to 
disturb the peace of God's people. 

After listening to a few words of exhortation and 
encouragement, and a long prayer, they took up their 
line of march in the order of a rabble. The night 
was not very dark, for there was a large moon, though 



SCHOOL OPENS. 437 

the clouds were thick and a cutting sleet began to 
patter at intervals. After entering the pasture their 
sorest perils and perplexities began. Faces and hands 
were scratched by briars ; shins were battered by 
rocks ; and with unimpeachable mud were they be- 
smeared. 

But unfalteringly they strode on till they reached 
the little footpath at the northern side of the knoll. 
Along this they cautiously filed, as they began to 
realize their proximity to the awful scene. Their 
progress, after all, had been remarkably direct, for 
their burly pioneer seemed able to make good his 
boast that there never was a fox that knew better 
than he the way over the pasture. And they had 
proceeded in silence, for though a drum, a trumpet, 
and a cracked fiddle had been brought by some 
thoughtless fellows, they obeyed the injunction to 
keep silence till their hour of triumph. 

At the foot of the knoll a pause was made. They 
listened, and presently thought they heard portentous 
sounds, though nothing like human voices could be 
distinguished ; no laughter, no wrangling. A solitary 
owl hooted, and the wind moaned dismally in the 
trees. The latter they thought might be infernal 
whisperings ; and the hootings, calls for those who 
had lost their way in the swamp ; though the Har- 
vard student, who had just joined them from another 
direction roguishly suggested that possibly it might 
be the black man blowing his nose, having suddenly 
taken cold by exposure to the raw east wind. 

A little time was now occupied in making a proper 
disposition of forces, and admirable discretion was 



438 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

exercised in preserving silence and promptly accept- 
ing position. Then a discussion in whispers arose 
as to whether there should be a formal summons to 
surrender, or an assault pell-mell ; and the pell-mellers 
had it ; they claiming that in this manner a panic 
would be created, and the enemy induced to surren- 
der without discretion. So the whole company cleared 
their throats and rushed forward with such horrible 
yells as were enough to put to blush a band of infuri- 
ate Indians, the trumpet braying, the drum beating, 
and the fiddle squeaking. They reached the top 
of the hill, ranting like fiends, their cries forming a 
wild ringing accompaniment to the dismal night 
breeze. And they continued to dash around, scratch- 
ing themselves against the rough trunks, until, from 
sheer exhaustion, their extraordinary antics began to 
moderate. 

But the enemy — where were they ? gone ; utterly 
extinguished ; sunk into the earth ; flown into the 
air ; at any rate, not one was to be seen. They 
peered into the bushes, and sniffed the air, but saw 
no blue-lights, smelled no brimstone. They gazed up 
above the spectral branches, but saw none careering 
round on broom-sticks. Not even a bat was flying in 
the air, nor a lizard creeping on the earth. 

The ground was carefully examined, even down the 
declivity, for they had now lighted their lanterns, but 
not a cloven track was found. Had all their toil 
been for nought, and must they return, without ac- 
complishing any thing, to be laughing-stocks for their 
neighbors .'' Their chagrin was great, but what des- 
perate thing could they do relieve its pangs. There 



SCHOOL OPENS. 439 

they stood, as pitiful a group as ever needed a com- 
forter. But no comforter was heard in the wild 
revelry of the elements — in the roaring ocean nor the 
moaning wind. And the keen cutting kisses of the 
rattling sleet had no soothing power. And then the 
thought of facing the storm on their homeward march, 
with the great object of their expedition unaccom- 
plished, to be subjected to the jeers of their inconsid- 
erate neighbors, was any thing but cheering. 

Presently, however, the student began to gaze off, 
with a good deal of earnestness, toward Mr. Granger's 
barn. There seemed to be some strange fascination, 
as he would frequently change his position, and stoop 
down and peer under the low branches, shading his 
eyes by his hand, though from what light it was not 
possible to discern. Finally, he declared his convic- 
tion, still keeping his eyes in the attractive direction 
of the barn, that the witches, in anticipation of a 
stormy night, had gone from the hill, and were hold- 
ing their meeting there ; earnestly asseverating that 
he could discern lights twinkling through the chinks. 
He strongly urged that they should proceed to recon- 
noitre. There was certainly no prospect of accom- 
plishing any thing by remaining where they were, and 
so they very readily fell in with his suggestion. 

They silently groped their way down the rocky 
declivity, and took the cow-path that wound toward 
the lonely structure. As they drew near, they per- 
ceived that there were indeed lights within. The 
knees of some began to tremble, but still onward 
they staggered. A few more rods gained, and they 
were horrified and brought to a dead stand, by hearing 



440 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS, 

shouts of laughter, and a medley of suspicious sounds. 
A consultation was held in whispers. Some were 
for abandoning the whole enterprise and skulking 
home, declaring that their force was not sufficient 
to attack such an enemy, so entrenched. Others, 
however, courageously proclaimed their readiness to 
grapple with the foe even were Satan himself there to 
personally lead in the defence. Among the latter 
was the Harvard student, who manifested an unne- 
cessary degree of enthusiasm, declaring that it would 
be disgraceful in the extreme to allow such a golden 
opportunity to do a noble service, and elevate them- 
selves in the esteem of the community, to slip by un- 
improved. And ferociously dashing his outer garment 
on the ground, he avowed his readiness to lead in the 
assault. 

As courage begets courage, it was not long before 
an attack was agreed upon. It was, however, de- 
termined to give the enemy a chance to surrender 
before the death dealing blows fell upon their heads. 
To this end a discreet old blacksmith was appointed 
to approach and demand a capitulation. He was 
soon thundering at the door of the barn with the butt 
of his musket. Instantly all was silent as death within. 
He then proceeded cautiously to lift the great wooden 
latch, and with stentorian voice and a wheeze that 
might have thrown into the shade the efforts of his 
own emulous shop bellows, demanded that all within 
should extinguish their brimstone fires, cease boiling 
their hell-broth, and come forth and be bound. Then 
all the band without, lustily shouted, to certify to the 
wretches within that they were surrounded, and need 



SCHOOL OPENS. 44I 

entertain no hope of escape. This gave a serious 
aspect to affairs. 

Fearful shrieks were now heard, and female voices 
calling in great alarm. And then manly voices de- 
manded the occasion of such an unwarrantable dis- 
turbance of an assemblage of honest people. Some 
began to cry that it was an attack of Indians and to 
urge all to arm for defence, with the best weapons at 
hand. Pitchforks, flails, goads, and divers other deadly 
weapons were grasped, and a very effectual resistance 
promised. 

At this juncture, the student, more reckless than 
any other, suggested that the door be thrown wide 
open and the whole force march boldly up ; and 
before he could be restrained, had himself rushed 
forward and swung back the stiff old hinges. A 
flood of light poured out upon the darkness. And 
simultaneously a flood of light poured in upon the 
minds of the besiegers. 

Now what should that assembly prove to be ? 
What but an innocent, husking party — a jovial party 
of old men and women, young men and maidens .'* 
This gave rather a comical turn to the affair. There 
stood a score or so of stout men — grave men, magis- 
trates, and king's officers among them — confronting 
about the same number of amiable corn-strippers. 
The scene was eminently ludicrous and called forth 
prolonged laughter from either side. 

On the subsidence of the first outburst a scene of 
more rational merriment ensued. But the new comers 
were hardly in a fit frame of mind to partake in the 
diversions with much enthusiasm. The Harvard stu- 



442 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

dent, however, joined in, with much heartiness. He 
seated himself beside a blushing maiden, who coyly 
upbraided him for having been gone a whole hour, 
after having said that he was only going out for a 
little run, to restore his cramped legs. She told him 
they had been much alarmed at desperate outcries 
heard in the distance in the direction of the Great 
Pasture, and rejoiced that he had not fallen in with 
witches or witch-hunters, as in the dark he might 
have been killed. 

The invaders of the sanctity of the husking-floor 
presently drew off, with the exception of a few who 
accepted the general invitation to tarry and partake 
in the remaining labors and festivities. The home- 
ward march was in almost utter silence, none having 
much desire to recount the adventures of the evening, 
which formed about the only topic upon which they 
could rally their thoughts. It was as much as each 
desired to do, to mutely grope for reasons to justify 
himself in the foolish part he had acted. The stirring 
music of their drum was not heard, nor did the 
cheering trumpet blast ring over the stormy hills. 
But a small band of wild geese, benighted on the 
wing, uttered a few languid notes, which echoed like 
those of taunting spirits in the air. Nor were even 
the awakening tones of the cracked fiddle heard 
among them, for that dulcet instrument had been 
retained to do duty in the barn, when the labors 
of the evening were closed. 

The golden ears had been divested of their rustling 
robes, and heaped in a corner, and the red-ear forfeits 
all paid. Then the capacious floor was cleared and 



SCHOOL OPENS. 443 

the old fiddle brought in requisition for a merry bout. 
And a right jolly time they had of it, those roguish 
sons and daughters of the sturdy old puritans, divers 
of the elders remaining, complacent witnesses of the 
cheery scene. And many were the pleasant jokes ut- 
tered at the expense of the discomfited witch-hunters. 
Not one entered into the closing scenes with more 
relish than our academic friend from Cambridge. 
And somehow it fell to his happy lot to escort to the 
house of the friend whom she was visiting, the same 
sparkling maiden who had so coyly upbraided him for 
his long absence from her side. The storm, it is 
true, had not much abated, and it was also the lonely 
midnight — reasons enough why she should snuggle 
the more closely to his side. So it was, no doubt, on 
the whole, an enjoyable walk. 

This witch-hunting expedition of course occasioned 
a good deal of merriment all over the Colony. Some 
of the most pious and sedate men in the community 
were made ridiculous by it. And the grave discus- 
sions that followed developed as great absurdities as 
do many of the theological discussions of the present 
day. Some who had engaged in it, however, solemnly 
protested that they should have had no part nor lot 
in it, had it not appeared that the president of the 
college had recommended that it be undertaken. 
These protestations coming to the knowledge of the 
classic dignitary, he vehemently denied that he either 
sent any message, made any recommendation or even 
suspected that the witches were about making any 
diabolical demonstration. This brought the young 
student — whose name it ought to have been before 



444 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

Stated was David Sweetman — seriously in question, 
the principal magistrate insisting that he came with 
a message purporting to be from the president. 

A special meeting of the college authorities was 
convened, and Sweetman summoned before them. 
His spirits sank to a much lower point than they 
attained on the weird night of the hunt. But then 
he had had the dance and ought not to demur when 
the piper called for his pay. He did appear, like a 
man, and acknowledged the truth of much that the 
witnesses stated against him. But he utterly denied 
having ever said that he made any announcement as 
a message from the president ; admitting, however, 
that they might have inferred something of the kind 
from what he did say. But they were not in a mood 
to appreciate delicate lingual distinctions. Without 
much circumlocution they adjudged him guilty of 
Ivino;. And he, a little nettled at this, launched divers 
rather tart reflections at their discernment, accusing 
them of being unable to comprehend an innocent 
practical joke. But that did not mend matters. Ad- 
vancing such views to that learned bench was about 
as effective as urging abstract principles upon a row 
of fat oysters. 

The result of the examination was the condemna- 
tion of Sweetman to a severe whipping, or, as an 
alternative, a seat for four hours in the stocks. And 
he was benevolently allowed to take his choice. He 
unhesitatingly chose the whipping — or " whiping," 
as the record has it, in sparing the ps ; an example 
of orthographical frugality that Webster would proba- 
bly have followed had he dared to. The choice was 



SCHOOL OPENS. 445 

induced, it is likely, partly by the greater notoriety 
of the stocks and partly by the fact that flights of stale 
eggs and other unsavory things were liable to occur 
in the vicinity of the heads of culprits who were taking 
a siesta in them. But the most forcible reason of all 
perhaps was, the fear of being subjected to one of the 
long-drawn lectures of the fatherly president, who^ 
whenever a sheep of his flock happened unfortunately 
to get into durance, made it a part of his religion to 
go forth and graphically picture to him the dismal 
strait to which his evil course was hastening him. 
And the academic rogues were accustomed to declare 
that they could with greater equanimity endure an 
egg-shower than one of these discourses. 

It was settled, then, that Sweetman should have a 
sound whipping ; and the pleasure of inflicting it was 
accorded to the Latin professor. The student being 
rather below par in Latin, it was thought that the 
professor might at the same time settle up for certain 
former delinquencies specially pertaining to his de- 
partment — kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. 
And thus considered, it was not deemed likely that 
the blows would fall with undeserved tenderness. 

The time set for the punishment was at the close 
of that day's exercises, and all the students were 
notified to be present. Accordingly, just as the 
shades of evening began to render dim the objects in 
the great hall, the seats along the sides began to be 
occupied by the forced witnesses of retributive justice, 
most of whom would much rather have been kicking 
foot-ball in the adjacent lot. 

At one end of the hall sat the venerable president, 



44^ V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

encircled by his staff of teacliers, and grinned on 
from the shelf above by plaster images of Vane, 
Cromwell, and divers other puritanical saints. He 
of the Latin rule stood somewhat in advance of the 
group, and evidently felt the importance of his posi- 
tion. He now and then beat the air with his heavy 
raw hide thong, as if to measure its efficiency, and 
from his dalliances seemed desirous of prolonging the 
enjoyable moments of suspense, as doth pussy when 
about to victimize a poor little mouse. Finally, with 
a stately air, and in well-set Latin terms, he bade the 
expectant culprit step forth. If the victim had not 
understood the Latin, he could not have mistaken 
the stern beckoning of the weapon. And with a 
slightly faltering step he approached. 

A murmur ran along the line of students ; but the 
instant rising of the whole body of teachers — not a 
very formidable phalanx, though — with the magis- 
trate and two or three subordinate officers which the 
occasion had called together, suppressed any approach 
to open mutiny. 

Sweetman was now commanded to lay aside his 
outer garment. It was an awful moment, and his 
eye rolled imploringly to the mute array of dignitaries, 
and then to his downcast fellow-students, as he slowly 
disrobed. He saw no prospect of relief; no mark 
of relenting, on the brow of authority, no symptom 
of uprising among his compeers ; no, no ; nor was 
there any prospect of a sudden tornado to scatter 
them, nor earthquake to swallow them up ; nothing 
of the kind. And he prepared courageously to meet 
what he saw no possible way to avoid. 



SCHOOL OPENS. 44/ 

His back was bared for the stripes, and he bent 
forward upon the bar that had been erected as a con- 
venient aid in the torture. Then tlie strap of the 
weapon was securely wound about the wrist of the 
professor, to prevent shpping ; the hps were heroic- 
ally drawn in, and the strong arm raised aloft for the 
first great blow ; when — 

Ah ! many a slip, &c. . . . There came a 
sudden rap at the door ; not very loud, to be sure, 
but in that deathlike stillness decidedly startling. 
Had a good providence, then, at that critical moment, 
interposed } No wonder that the account of the 
marvelous turn in the affair of Abraham and Isaac 
on the holy Mount of Sacrifice, should have shot 
through his bewildered mind and brought a gleam 
of hope. The door was opened by one standing near, 
and a hasty message received for the armed champion 
himself And then it abruptly closed ; not so sud- 
denly, however, but that the flowing skirts of a lady's 
dress were visible. 

On receiving the message, the professor dropped 
his weapon as if it had been a rod of hot iron, and 
strode out, leaving his victim palpitating at the rail. 
He remained without, for some minutes, in a confer- 
ence the nature of which it is not necessary for us to 
attempt to unfold. But when he returned, his coun- 
tenance was clothed in a subtle smirk such as had loner 
been a stranger there. Instead of resuming his duties 
at the point where he had broken off, he retired into 
a corner with the president and magistrate, and there 
held an earnest conference. The subject of their 
discourse, however, did not seem to be particularly 



448 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

solemn, for the president soon indulged in divers sly 
winks and knowing smiles, and even became so unbe- 
comingly elated as to punch the ribs of the professor 
in his cunning way. And the magistrate, too, seemed 
half-idiotic in his smirks and funny pantomime. 

Finally, the professor sank grinning into a seat, 
and the president stepped toward the disrobed student 
who stood shivering between hope and fear. Hope, 
however, gained the ascendancy, as the dignitary 
approached unarmed ; and it grew very bright when 
in gentle tones he spake comforting words, and then 
handed toward him the garments of which he had 
been divested. He reclothed with alacrity. And 
then, with beaming countenance the president an- 
nounced to the wondering assembly that for good 
and sufficient reasons, though such as it was not 
deemed expedient thus publicly to make known, the 
punishment was postponed. The class boys cheered 
and clapped their hands ; the tallow-dips blinked and 
nodded their smutty heads ; and all retired, well 
pleased to adjourn to the supper table, where it is to 
be hoped they found, after their nervous excitement, 
something better than their usual fare of " porridge, 
and that very homely." 

Sweetman was really a fine young fellow, and 
belonged to a family of the first respectability. But 
that did not prevent an occasional manifestation of 
his fondness for a practical joke, nor make him a 
good Latin scholar. 

But how about his relief from the punishment ? 
It was a long time before the interesting matter fully 
transpired. It finally, however, came to light that the 



SCHOOL OPENS. 44) 

feminine apparition which so opportunely appeared 
at the door of the hall, was the courageous and bril- 
liant young daughter of the Latin professor himself 
What acknowledgments, pleadings or declarations she 
made to her surprised father, are not recorded. But 
they evidently had a wonderful effect. It also ap- 
peared that she was the same coy maiden by whose 
side Sweetman so unceremoniously seated himself 
when with the witch-hunters he entered Mr. Granger's 
barn, and who so familiarly upbraided him for his long 
absence. These things, together, partially elucidate 
the mysterious affair. 

I said the whipping was postponed. But there 
seems to be no evidence that it was ever inflicted. 
Indeed there is good evidence that Mr. Sweetman 
was soon in special favor with the Latin professor, 
for he was frequently a visitor at his house, and with 
the utmost regularity took his Sunday evening meal 
there so long as he remained a student at the college. 
And more than all we find that in due time the 
gracious professor entrusted to his keeping the most 
precious jewel that he possessed — even that same 
bright jewel of a daughter. 

Several accounts of flagellations in Harvard college, 

other than those of which we have so briefly spoken, 

are found in the old papers that so luckily fell into 

our hands. But as it might make the descendants 

of the sufferers feel uncomfortable to have the names 

of their ancestors blazoned forth in such questionable 

connection, we forbear to introduce them, save in one 

rather exceptional instance. 

29 



4SO V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

It may not be known to such readers as have not 
made themselves famiHar with certain of the minuter 
though eminently important facts in the early history 
of New England, that President Dunster had a mortal 
hatred of snakes. This, it may be concluded, was 
one of the chief reasons why he was placed at the 
head of the institution, though indeed his learning and 
piety were unquestionable. Snakes were supposed 
to be the pet progeny of the evil one ; and he who 
possessed a natural horror of them was deemed so far 
an alien to the dark covenant under which they lived 
and moved. 

As is usual in instances like that of the worthy 
president, not a small measure of fear was mingled 
with the hatred ; and so the good man was ever on 
the alert, when in the woods or fields, shying hither 
and thither, and sometimes taking to a tree or to his 
heels ; for one could not often, in those days, walk 
far from the thicker portions of the settlements with- 
out encountering an individual or two of the dreaded 
species. He, in common with all the people of the 
time, believed that snakes had the subtle power of 
fascination, or charming, conceiving it to be a direct 
gift from their father, the old deludor, as a special 
means for working mischief He was sedulous in 
quest of evidence pertaining to all instances of charm- 
ing of which he could hear, and is said to have once 
walked to Hampton to see a chicken which had been 
rescued just as it was popping its brainless head into 
the distended throat of a venerable rattlesnake — 
rescued by a great unimaginative swine who happened 
that way, and unceremoniously seized the snake for 



SCHOOL OPENS. 45 I 

his own breakfast. It is also said that he went clown 
to Plymouth to inquire into the particulars of an 
alleged instance of charming practised by one of the 
wily reptiles on a little maid who was out blackberry- 
ing, the spell being broken by the redoubtable Miles 
Standish who happened that way, sword in hand, in 
pursuit of a red fox. The Indians shamefully im- 
posed on him several times by their ridiculous stories 
and led him into wearisome hunts. 

The good man even carried his antipathy to poor 
innocent eels, because of their resemblance to snakes, 
and would not allow one in the college rations, there 
being, as he declared, enough devil in the students 
already. Charles river abounded with most luscious 
eels, and it seemed hard that the poor students should 
not have the privilege of now and then diversifying 
their mean porridge diet with a sample, particularly as 
they were ready to do the catching, as well as take 
the risk of contracting moral distempers in the diges- 
tion. The eels, however, made no complaint about 
the interdiction, and no doubt preferred to snuggle 
in the river mud rather than become a part of even 
a Harvard student through the transforming process 
of human digestion. 

The wary president never walked in the woods 
without a trusty cudgel, and never fled with greater 
precipitancy than when he had a proper chance to 
use it. And he made a most comical figure when 
running, for then his progress bore some resemblance 
to that of the kangaroo — stepping as if he were 
running up very steep stairs. The students were, 
of course, fully apprised of his peculiar aversion. 



452 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. x 

And on their part there was no aversion to deriving 
a Httle sport from it, when they safely could. 

When the president attended meeting, on lecture 
days, if it was pleasant, he always took a short by-path 
that ran through a little patch of woods. So, upon a 
certain occasion, a couple of waggish students, having 
in their possession the body of an enormous black 
snake, which a farmer-boy had that morning killed, 
they tied a thread about the neck, and coiling it 
up in the by-path aforesaid, in the most natural 
manner possible, retired into the bushes, taking the 
end of the thread, and there patiently awaited devel- 
opments. 

Presently a little dog came trotting along, and 
instinctively perceiving that the reptile was dead — 
though it is a mystery how unreasoning animals as 
we irrationally call them, can so unerringly discern 
the fact of death — gave a smell, jumped over, and 
pursued his way. Then a hungry crow came flapping 
along, and gave a knowing caw as he settled down 
beside the slimy coils. He, too, instinctively perceived 
that there was no life there, and gave a peck at the 
eye. A slight twitch of the string made him hop 
off a step or two with a hasty flap of the wings, 
though he did not seem much alarmed. Cocking his 
head cunningly on one side and then on the other, as 
if to take a new survey, he hopped back again, and 
poising on one foot, seemed to say, " Come now, you 
know you 're dead ; so none of your false pretences. 
I know you snakes are called cunning ; but so are we 
crows. Yes, sir, you 're dead ; so lie still and let me 
have another peck at that eye, for which you have no 



SCHOOL OPENS. 453 

further use." Then he gave another peck. And then 
the body gave another jump, being galvanized by a 
second and more violent twitch of the string. This 
was a puzzler to the crow ; but as he was not disposed 
to waste time on a philosophical examination, when 
his supper hour was so near, he spread his great black 
wings, and scornfully cawing, soared away toward 
the Medford marshes. A little boy, with a berry 
basket, now came whistling along. He spied the lion 
in the way, and not having the discernment of the 
little dog or the crow, was panic-stricken, and drop- 
ping his basket, fled back, screaming with fright. 

Soon after, the venerable president himself was 
discovered by the mischief-makers in the bushes, 
approaching, evidently engaged in an earnest discus- 
sion with himself, a thing very common with him in 
his solitary walks. And when thus engaged, his 
gait became very singular, the argument seeming to 
settle in his right leg, which would give a violent shake 
at each step, almost sufficient, when he was especially 
earnest, to dislocate the knee. As he approached, at 
this time, he seemed very much as if stepping on hot 
iron, with bare feet. Leg oratory is sometimes the 
most effective kind, though not the most refined nor 
pacific. I have been so struck by the descriptions 
of the pedal rhetoric of the worthy president as to be 
induced more than once to attempt a harmless imita- 
tion in the endeavor to realize its effect. And I wish 
the reader would now lay aside the book for a moment 
and try, for his own satisfaction, to imitate the step. 
, . . There, now, do you not find it rather an 
eloquent kind of delivery ? 



454 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

On the occasion under notice, the good president 
was so earnest in his endeavor to persuade himself 
of something seemingly incredible, that the watching 
students began to fear that he would stride by the 
coiled serpent without casting his eye to the ground at 
all. " Dunster," he exclaimed, " thou art a manifest 
fool. What flip hast thou drunken thus to take away 
thy senses ? O, yes, thou canst make plausible ex- 
cuses for the follies and the wickednesses of youth, 
but I tell thee thy excuses are frivolous, driveling, 
and " — Just at that moment his foot struck the 
berry-basket which the boy had dropped in his flight. 
He raised it on the end of his staff, and twirled it 
above his head, entirely unconscious of the exercise, 
in his abstraction. But down went the basket, and 
his eye happened to follow it to the ground. The 
snake was just at his feet, and a violent twitch of the 
string raised the ugly head from the coils, and started 
the whole hideous length. And then — 

Leaping high in the air and uttering a terrifically 
profane ejaculation, in Latin, the appalled dignitary 
knew nothing more till he found himself prone upon 
the earth with a couple of alarmed students minister- 
ing to him. He had received a grievous sprain, and 
was unable to rise. 

This was a serious matter. The thoughtless youth, 
who really had not a spark of malice in their hearts, 
had sprung forward to his relief, and now ingenuously 
acknowledged the whole truth, instead of doing as 
less honest boys might have done ; that is, whip 
the snake into the bushes and pretend that he had 
escaped and that they by accident happened along at 



SCHOOL OPENS. 455 

that juncture. There was candor among the Harvard 
youth of those days. The injury turned out to be 
dangerous as well as painful ; and though the sufferer 
was soon on the mending hand, he was for some 
months compelled to avail himself of the services of a 
wooden assistant in getting about. On extraordinary 
occasions, it was delightful to see the tender care 
of the repentant authors of the mischief, who would 
support him on either side, he throwing his arms 
around their necks and swinging between them — 
they being tall, stout fellows and he rather diminu- 
tive — his feet two or three inches above the ground 
and paddling back and forth as if he fancied himself 
aiding in the locomotion. And when, after his long 
period of suffering he did call himself well, his ancient 
peculiarity of gait had ceased forever ; there were no 
more kangaroo leaps, and a decided down-stair step 
had succeeded the up-stair. 

The impartial reader, I am sure, will exclaim that 
those roguish students, even if their real intent was 
merely to perpetrate a harmless joke, well deserved a 
severe flagellation, as a preventive of future heedless- 
ness. And it is agreeable to add that they got it. 
There was, indeed, friendly intercession in their be- 
half, but they manfully claimed the expiatory infliction, 
and heroically bared their backs for the stripes. The 
punishment was inflicted in broad daylight and in the 
presence of the whole college galaxy — officers, stu- 
dents, and servants — besides a number of interested 
outsiders, who gathered in the door-way and on tip- 
toe peeked in at the windows. The chastisement 
was applied with unction enough to entirely satisfy 



456 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

all parties, even the little dog, the crow, and the 
berry-boy. 

It will be observed that the above incident occurred 
at about the time of the remarkable entrance of the 
devil, in the shape of a snake, into the synod convened 
at Cambridge, in August, 1648, an event that created 
a vast deal of apprehension and discussion. President 
Dunster, it is presumed, was present on the memora- 
ble occasion. Winthrop gives the account in such a 
comprehensive manner that the reader will be pleased 
with having his words quoted : " The synod met at 
Cambridge by adjournment. Mr. Allen of Dedham 
preached out of Acts 15, a very godly, learned, and 
particular handling of near all the doctrines and appli- 
cations concerning that subject with a clear discovery 
and refutation of such errors, objections, and scruples 
as had been raised about it by some young heads in 
the country. It fell out about the midst of his sermon, 
there came a snake into the seat where many of the 
elders sate behind the preacher. It came in at the 
door where people stood thick upon the stairs. Divers 
of the elders shifted from it, but Mr. Thomson, one 
of the elders of Braintree, (a man of much faith,) trode 
upon the head of it, and so held it with his foot and 
staff with a small pair of grains, until it was killed. 
This being so remarkable, and nothing falling out 
but by divine providence, it is out of doubt, the Lord 
discovered somewhat of his mind in it. The serpent 
is the devil ; the synod the representative of the 
churches of Christ in New England. The devil had 
formerly and lately attempted their disturbance and 



SCHOOL OPENS. 457 

dissolution ; but their faith in the seed of the woman 
overcame him and crushed his head." 

This, certainly, savors somewhat of theological 
conceit. But the thing was plain and logical enough 
in the minds of those old worthies ; just as even 
greater absurdities sometimes appear to the minds 
of certain reverential wiseacres in this enlightened 
age. It is doubtful, however, whether the confident 
Winthrop himself, could he return and survey the 
present moral condition of " Boston and vicinity," 
would continue to insist, with much earnestness, that 
his friend Thomson did actually kill the devil, in 
August, 1648. But then we suppose Winthrop is not 
to be charged with speaking in a literal sense. Had 
the evil one himself actually so ventured into the 
inhospitable synod, he would probably have vanished 
when the death-grip fell upon him, rather than have 
suffered himself to be despatched outright. But it is 
a hard subject to reason on. And we can only add 
the mournful fact that the devil " still lives." 

In the stately history of Harvard College, which has 
long been before the world, the more weighty matters 
are well disposed of; but it is never to be assumed 
that such make up the whole of a history. If you 
write the biography of a man and bring to view only 
his dignified traits, you give but one side of his 
character, for no man is all starch and buckram. 
And it is the same with other things. So, bearing 
this in mind, it has been endeavored in these pages 
to give a glimpse at least of all the sides of the differ- 
ent subjects dwelt upon, however angular they may be. 

T 



45 y V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

It is difficult for us of this day, who are awed by 
the dignity of that venerable institution of learning, 
to conceive of the grotesque scenes and singular 
artifices to which it was compelled to resort in its 
early struggles for existence. But the faculty always 
tried to keep up appearances, for which they are to be 
commended rather than censured. And the students 
always maintained their character for frolicking, for 
which they are to be censured rather than commend- 
ed. When in 1644, some of those old educational 
heroes descended to the most artful wire-pulling, to 
induce the Court to levy an assessment upon every 
family in the jurisdiction, of "one peck of corne, or 
\2d. in mony or oth"" comodity, to be sent to y^ treas- 
urer for the colledge," how weakly did they anticipate 
the rich bequests that in after years would fall in 
golden showers upon their darling institution. 

Even as late as 16S0, the College — after sending 
forth numerous graduates who did honor to them- 
selves and their country — was by no means in a 
condition to put on airs. A couple of educated pro- 
testant Dutchmen, named Jaspar Dunkers and Peter 
Sluyter, visited this region during that year, and 
one of them thus speaks of the College, in his 
journal : 

" We started out to go to Cambridge, lying to the 
northeast of Boston, in order to see their college and 
printing office. We left about six o'clock in the 
morning, and were set across the river at Charles- 
town. We followed the road which we supposed was 
the right one, but went full half an hour out of the 
way, and would have gone still further had not a 



SCHOOL OPENS. 459 

negro who met us, and of whom we inquired, disa- 
bused us of our mistake. We went back to the right 
road, which is a very pleasant one. 

" We reached Cambridge about eight o'clock. It 
is not a large village, and the houses stand very- 
much apart. The college building is the most con- 
spicuous among them. We went to it, expecting to 
find something curious, as it is the only college or 
would-be academy of the protestants in all America, 
but we found ourselves mistaken. In approaching 
the house we neither heard nor saw any thing men- 
tionable ; but, going to the other side of the building, 
we heard noise enough in an upper room to lead my 
comrade to suppose they were engaged in disputation. 
We entered and went up stairs, where a person met 
us, and requested us to walk in, which we did. We 
found there eight or ten young fellows, sitting around, 
smoking tobacco, with the smoke of which the room 
was so full that you could hardly see ; and the whole 
house smelt so strong of it that when I was going up 
stairs I said this is certainly a tavern. We excused 
ourselves that we could speak English only a little, 
but understood Dutch and French, which they did 
not. However, we spoke as well as we could. 

" We inquired how many professors there were, 
and they replied not one — that there was no money 
to support one. We asked how many students there 
were. They said at first thirty, and then came down 
to twenty. I afterwards understood there are proba- 
bly not ten." 

These worthy Hollanders must have visited the 
College during one of its seasons of special depression. 



460 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

It had such, occasionally, for many years ; and then 
its life seemed almost run out. But generally, when 
it appeared near its last gasp, the Court came, as a 
skillful doctor, and by its restorative pecuniary appli- 
cations, managed to preserve life. And so it hob- 
bled along to better days. What the Dutch visitor 
says of that particular time, is confirmed by Quincy's 
history. 

But the observant old traveler continues: "They 
could hardly speak a word of Latin, so that my com- 
rade could not converse with them. They took us to 
the library, where there was nothing particular. We 
looked over it a little. They presented us with a 
glass of wine. This is all we ascertained there. The 
minister of the place goes there morning and evening 
to make prayer, and has charge over them. The 
students have tutors and masters. 

" Our visit was soon over, and we left them to go 
and look at the land about there. We found the 
place beautifully situated on a large plain more than 
eight miles square, with a fine stream in the middle 
of it capable of bearing heavily laden vessels. As 
regards the fertility of the soil, we consider the poor- 
est in New York superior to the best here. As we 
were tired, we took a mouthful to eat and left. 

" We passed by the printing office, but there was 
nobody in it. The paper sash, however, being broken, 
we looked in and saw two presses with six or eight 
cases of type. There is not much work done there. 
Our printing office is well worth two of it, and even 
more. We went back to Charlestown, where, after 
waiting a little, we crossed over about three o'clock." 



SCHOOL OPENS. 46 1 

That these honest Dutchmen were from New York, 
is apparent from what the journahst says of the soil 
and of " our printing office." 

A few words ought, perhaps, to have been said 
before, about the Printing Office at Cambridge, for 
its interests were intimately connected with those 
of the College, and its influence in the cause of piety 
and the progress of education, was counted on as of 
the greatest importance. It was established in 1639, 
by Stephen Day, an individual of rather superstitious 
turn of mind, and at times much disturbed by the 
growing apprehensions in the community concerning 
witchcrafts. And it was, perhaps, with a view to do 
his part in the approaching direct conflict with the 
powers of darkness, as much as from any other con- 
sideration, that he was induced so readily to engage 
in the doubtful enterprise. And probably he did his 
full share in staving off" the outbreak for the time 
being, as well as his share in fixing in the popular 
mind the firm belief that the evil day must sooner or 
later come. 

At the very outset of his operations the worthy 
printer met with a distressing disaster. He had been 
hard at work all day, distributing his letter in the 
cases, and putting his press in order, a neighbor or 
two, kind enough in disposition, though aukward in 
the handling of printing materials, voluntarily assist- 
ing him. And as it began to grow dark, he slipped 
on his outer garment and started for home, which 
was a long way off", and reached by a rough, stump- 
studded road. He was a pious man, and as he 



462 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

plodded along, began to think over a list of godly- 
books that he would from time to time print and 
circulate to the discomfiture of the arch enemy. A 
tradition, by the way, has existed from the earliest 
ages of the art typographic, that the devil takes 
special care to watch the transactions in printing 
offices ; and one of his imps — at least one bearing 
his name — is still to be found in the precincts of 
every office. And judging by what emanates from 
some of the establishments now flourishing on the 
soil once trod by puritanic feet, his brimstone majesty 
not only watches but occasionally controls. Mr. Day's 
reflections, as he proceeded along his weary way, 
though in rather an exultant vein, were not unmin- 
gled with obscure apprehensions that his precious 
materials might be molested or his more precious 
self assailed. 

He reached home hungry and tired, and after j^ar- 
taking of a good supper of rabbet-meat, eggs, onions, 
and artichokes, retired to his welcome bed of husks, in 
the little upper room over which the unsealed roof 
picturesquely sloped. He slept a disturbed sleep, as 
over-weary persons are apt to, especially if they have 
overladen their stomachs with hard artichokes ; and 
about midnight was very much alarmed by scratch- 
ings, patterings, and knockings upon the roof Then 
he heard a lusty breeze, that seemed to sweep every 
thing before it, rocking and thumping the house in 
a desperate manner, and then sighing and groaning 
as if because it could not do more mischief Then 
there came thunder and lightning and screeching in 
the air. 



SCHOOL OPENS. 463 

Cold sweat stood upon the poor man's brow, as he 
ventured now and then to pop his head from under 
the rigid bed-cover that almost smothered him. He 
felt sure that a host of satan's emissaries had found 
him out, and were determined to try their best to 
extinguish him before he could even put in motion 
his enginery for the subversion of their power. The 
most horrible apprehensions seized him, as a blue flash 
played around the unhewn rafters above his pallet, 
followed by a portentous lull, and then a crowing and 
laughing as if a hundred jolly fiends were making 
merry over him, their helpless victim. 

Whether he finally fainted from fright, or passed 
from some other cause into an entirely oblivious 
condition, cannot be known ; but he realized nothing 
further till broad daylight. His spirits revived when 
he found that he had not been mauled to death. And 
when a thorough examination of all his visible parts 
revealed no evidence that satanic hands had been laid 
upon him, he felt relieved from an almost crush- 
ing weight. He arose, looked at the cheerful sun, 
and swallowed a raw goose egg, which was his daily 
appetizer. Then, after performing sundry domestic 
duties, he partook of his morning meal ; after which 
he immediately started for his office. On his way he 
met the president of the college, and related to him 
the experiences of the night. That dignitary listened 
with fear and trembling ; and when the narrative was 
concluded intimated a gathering conviction that the 
descent of evil spirits which had been so long threat- 
ened was about taking place. And he expressed an 
earnest hope that if the fiends had been sporting with 



464 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

him, they had left unmolested the precious printing 
materials. Mr. Day's heart sank at the bare sugges- 
tion that the scene of his labors of the previous day 
might have been invaded by such unholy marauders. 
And in considerable trepidation he hurried on. 

And what a sight met his view when he arrived 
at his office. Every thing bore the mark of demon- 
iacal ravaging. One of the little windows had been 
completely torn out, and there were burnt marks 
upon the siD, as if infernal fingers had clutched there 
as their owners sprang in or out. Two of the type 
cases had been thrown across the room and their 
contents scattered broadcast about the floor. In one 
corner was a heap of melted letter, the now useless 
remains of about half his stock of type. The little 
triangular fireplace was torn all to pieces, as if a host 
of reckless spirits had made the chimney their way 
of nightly travel. His principal chase, of wrought 
iron, so stout that a printer of this day would smile 
at its clumsiness, was bent and twisted so that it 
could never be made true again. And the heavy 
bed-stone of the press had been raised from the 
position in which, with the neighborly assistance of a 
butcher and a chandler, he had so carefully placed it 
the preceding afternoon, and dashed through the 
floor into the cellar. The ink-keg had been burst 
asunder and its contents made use of for a general 
besmearing. 

Much of the mischief, it was apparent, could not 
have been done by mortal hands. And by whom, 
then, could it have been done, save by supernatural 
invaders. He searched in vain for his sheep's-foot, 



SCHOOL OPENS. 465 

that most useful of printing-house implements ; and 
its disappearance added greatly to his dismay, for, as 
it represented a cloven foot, he could not avoid in 
some way connecting it with the supernatural gentry 
whose pedal extremities are of like fashion. 

^ Mr. Day sat down, disheartened, on his one little 
pine bank which a friendly carpenter had gratuitously 
contributed to his fitting out, and mournfully contem- 
plated the wreck of his matter and the ruin of his 
hopes. But he was a man of rather sanguine temper- 
ament, and soon began to recover from his despond- 
ency. The first thing he did was to set about 
restoring his office to the best order possible under 
the cii^cumstances. And as active employment is 
the surest remedy for low spirits, he soon became 
so cheerful as to attempt whistling a nimble tune. 

Having done what he could at the office, he made 
up his mind that the next best thing was to set about 
the discovery of the particular human agency through 
which the infernal mischief had been wrought ; for 
there was always in such cases an undefined idea 'that 
some malignant wretch had charge of the operations. 
To this end he sought a conference with the college 
authorities, the civil magistrates, and such membet's 
of the General Court as he could find in the precinct. 
He related all that he knew and much that he imag- 
ined touching the enmities of his neighbors ; for, like 
most people who have had their fears strongly excited, 
he was unable to distinguish between fact and fancy.' 
And after solemn deliberation it was considered best 
to employ the approved means for the discovery of 
witches. Accordingly he had his witch-cake made, 
T* 30 



466 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

the adder's-tongue, toad's-stool, blind-worm, and all 
other ing-redients well stirred by the witch-hazel rod, 
and baked bottom up, at the top of the oven. And 
then, through the agency of the old Indian woman 
who traveled about the settlements, selling herbs 
and eye-water, the sacramental witch-bread was duly 
administered. 

The lot fell just where he expected it would — upon 
an old woman in the family of a fellow-townsman. 
She was from Barbadoes, that land of abominations, 
was poor, and lame, and of rather irascible disposition, 
but not before suspected of entertaining any diabol- 
ical designs towards him or any one else. It was 
recollected, however, that she had made some pun- 
gent threats, on the occasion of a quarrel he had with 
her about the uncivil conduct of a goat that belonged 
to her, and on which her affections were centered, it 
being the most valuable of all her earthly possessions. 
But that quarrel was a long time before ; and it was 
supposed that time had obliterated all feeling of 
resentment. The difficulty arose in this way : the 
goat was one day browsing on some bushes, by the 
river, where Mr. Day was bathing, and seeing his 
little heap of clothes, after smelling of them, gave a 
vigorous bleat, and seizing the leather small-clothes, 
ran up the bank, and trotted down the lane toward 
the house of its mistress. 

What possessed Nanny to indulge in such an im- 
polite and unnatural freak, it is impossible to tell. 
But it put Mr. Day to great inconvenience, not to say 
mortification, he being a remarkably modest man. 
In his anger he charged her with having trained the 



SCHOOL OPENS. 467 

goat to purloin for her benefit. To this she replied, 
with rising asperity, that if such were the case she 
should have taught it to bring home something of 
more value than his old leather breeches. The dis- 
pute became fierce, but finally ceased without any 
personal violence. And the remembrance had nearly 
faded out. 

Mr. Day was much alarmed when the test so uner- 
ringly pointed to this poor old woman as the contriver 
of the mischief at the printing office. But neither 
he, nor the magistrates, nor any one else, thought of 
questioning the virtue of the test. The excitement 
ran very high, and spread like wild-fire. The forlorn 
old dame protested her innocence. But what of that. 
Is not that the way with culprits .-* An informal 
examination, however, was granted, to be held in the 
college hall. An excited concourse attended ; and 
conspicuous among them was Mr. Day, in his shirt 
sleeves and the little brown paper cap, that he wore 
at his work, for he had left his office in haste and in 
a frustrated condition of mind. Some of the college 
people talked learnedly about witchcraft ; others pi- 
ously ; others alarmingly ; and others despairingly. 
Every suspicious thing touching the accused was 
reviewed — the conduct of the goat, the quarrel, the 
making of the cake — nothing, indeed, which could, 
even in the remotest manner, compromise her, being 
forgotten. And as the tide was setting strongly 
against her, the few who had made some pretence 
of being her friends began rapidly to fall off — those 
who had professed the most sympathy, denying, with 
the energy of a Peter, that they had ever known 



468 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

her. She wept ; but that did no good further than 
partially relieve her over-burdened heart. 

Thus matters stood, when some commotion was 
caused by the stalking in of Arrow John, holding 
Sunny Wave by the hand. They had come down to 
the settlement on an errand to the accused, to whom 
they felt indebted for many a refreshing draught of 
milk which that same offending goat had dispensed ; 
and being told where she was, had made their way 
into the hall. The slight interruption was soon over, 
and the semi-judicial proceedings renewed. The In- 
dians gave the closest attention, apparently endeavor- 
ing to comprehend the nature of the business, an 
occasional expressive grunt from the father, only, pre- 
venting their presence from being overlooked in their 
silence. But it was not long before the red man 
began to manifest considerable excitement, at least 
for an Indian. And when opportunity offered, he 
arose, with all the dignity of his race, and throwing his 
arms aloft, as if invoking an unseen power, exclaimed : 
" O, white men ! Last night the Great Spirit was 
abroad lighting his path by the lightning flash, and 
speaking to his children in his thunder voice. He 
passed by my lodge, tearing from the earth a giant 
pine, that stood in his way, shivering the huge trunk 
into many pieces and scattering the limbs far abroad. 
Nothing can stop back his march, when he comes in 
his lightning blaze and thunder tramp. May be the 
white man's poor little make-um-book trap, stood in 
his way, and so he brush um off." 

Had the most exultant thunder-clap that disturbed 
the peace of nature during the previous night, returned 



SCHOOL OPENS. 469 

and burst over their heads again in full force, they 
would not have been more suddenly and thoroughly 
waked. It instantly occurred to every mind that the 
havoc in the printing office was caused by the light- 
ning — of the nature of which, however, they knew 
as little as they did of witchcraft, for the great seer 
of the typographic art, who has received the name 
of lightning-tamer, had not then electrified the world 
by his discoveries. Mr. Day may indeed have been 
as good a printer as Franklin, and done as much for 
the art in America ; but it is evident that he fell 
something short of him as a philosopher. 

When the bubble broke in the assembly, they all 
felt ashamed of themselves and of each other ; asham- 
ed that they had not remembered that lightning could 
do up a work of mischief as suddenly and effectually 
as witchcraft ; ashamed that they were indebted to a 
tawny barbarian for the key that opened their own 
eyes. Mr. Day, who was really a good hearted man, 
though, as has before appeared, of rather a supersti- 
tious turn, was so rejoiced to be relieved from the 
dread suspicion that he was under the surveillance of 
malignant spirits, that his elevation knew no bounds. 
Up he jumped, and danced about as if beside himself 
The little paper cap shook from his head, and his 
feet relieved themselves from imprisonment in his 
ponderous shoes. He caught Sunny Wave from the 
side of her father, raised her in his arms, and before 
he or she knew what was to come next, had bestowed 
on her glossy brown cheeks half a score of unctuous 
kisses. Dropping her, he seized her father and twirled 
him merrily around, till he, not appreciating such 



4/0 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

familiarity, delivered on his bare pate divers sound 
knocks, with his great knobby pipe. That seemed to 
restore his senses. 

Without further befooling himself, Mr. Day with 
a nervous flourish approached the astonished magis- 
trate, and besought him to utter something appro- 
priate to the occasion — to make an improvement, as 
the phrase then ran. The official readily complied, 
and delivered himself in well-set terms of a grave 
and pious discourse about thunder and lightning, 
witchcraft, merciful providences, and kindred topics. 
His eye, while speaking, was frequently directed 
toward Arrow John, And when he had finished, 
that stately son of the forest, deeming himself called 
upon to reply, drew himself up to his full height, and 
thrusting out his dexter arm with the fore-finger 
pointing toward Mr. Day, in a deep, measured voice, 
began : " White men say Injan know nothing. But 
white men dam fool ; not know tother from nothing. 
White man say, book tell um every thing. Injan no 
have book, so he know nothing, white man think. All 
dam lie. There stand Make-um-book, [still pointing 
to Mr. Day,] he dam crazy ; don't know much as old 
squaw. Ugh ! Injan learn from Great Spirit. He 
talk to his red children out of cloud, in thunder, in 
storm, in rushing water ; he whisper to um in trees, 
in little brook ; and smile on um in flowers, in sun- 
shine. Injan learn most. Ugh! No swear, no swear !" 
And having delivered himself of this touching piece 
of native eloquence, he dropped his arm, and seizing 
Sunny Wave by the hand strode proudly off. 

A thorough examination left no doubt that the 



SCHOOL OPENS. 4/1 

lig;htning was the instrument of the mischief. And 
from that time forth, the good people began to be as 
much in dread of lightning as of witchcraft. Indeed, 
in the minds of many there was a mysterious rela- 
tionship between them. 

It should, perhaps, be added in this connection, 
that the damage to Mr. Day's office was repaired as 
speedily as possible, and in due time there issued 
from the infant press the " Freeman's Oath," which 
has ever since been claimed to be the first specimen 
of American printing. The Court regarded with 
much favor the enterprise, and a year or two after, 
that is, on the loth of December, 1641, passed this 
order : " Stephen Day being the first that set upon 
printing, is graunted 300 acres of land where it may 
bee convenient w'''out preiudice to any towne." And 
again, on the 15th of May, 1657, in another fit of 
generosity, the Court made this further grant : " Ste- 
ven Day, of Cambridg, having often complajned that 
he hath suffered much damage by erecting the print- 
ing press at Cambridge, at the request of the magis- 
trates and elders, for W^'' he neuer had yett any 
considerable sattisfaction, this Court doe graunt him 
three hundred acres of land in any place not formerly 
granted by this Court." 

Of the press in general, in early times — its freedom, 
its obstreperousness, and the indignities and disabili- 
ties cast upon it — a good deal that is interesting 
might be said, though the Court Records do not 
furnish much that is really of importance. 

A sort of censorship was established on the 8th of 
October, 1662, in these words : " For prevention of 



4/2 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

irregularitjes and abuse to the authority of this coun- 
try by the printing presse, it is ordered, that hence- 
forth no copie shall be printed but by the allowance 
first had and obteined vnder the hands of Capt. Daniel 
Gookin & M"" Jonathan Mitchel, vntil this Court shall 
take further order therein." This, however, was soon 
repealed. 

In 1 68 1, something like a local monopoly in the 
printing business was granted, Samuel Seawall being 
" prevajled with to vndertake the mannagement of the 
printing press in Boston, late vnder the improvement 
of M"" John Foster, deceased ; " the Court forbidding 
that any one else should establish an office without 
their permission " first graunted." 

A kind of loose copyright law was enacted on the 
15th of May, 1672, in these words : " In ans"" to the 
petition of John Vsher, the Court judgeth it meete to 
order, & be it by this Court ordered & enacted, that 
no printer shall print any more coppies than are 
agreed & pajd for by the ouner of the sajd coppie or 
coppies, nor shall he nor any other reprint or make 
sale of any of the same, w^'^out the sajd owners con- 
sent, vpon the forfeiture and poenalty of treble the 
whole charges of printing, & pajDcr, &c., of the whole 
quantity pajd for by the ouner of the coppie, to the 
sajd ouner or his assignes." 

In closing this Chapter, we may well take a moment 
to consider what excellent progress the cherished 
College — of whose infantile struggles we have given 
so brief an account — has, on the whole, made, to 
attain, in so comparatively short a period, her present 



SCHOOL OPENS. 473 

opulent and honorable position. But she always had 
firm and influential friends ; and her loving children, 
as they went forth into the world, ceased not to speak 
her praise. The General Court always loved and 
favored her as the child of its own bosom, and like a 
kind parent never allowed her little derelictions to 
breed an estrangement. And who, now, comprehend- 
ing the elevating influence she has had on New Eng- 
land mind, moulding its institutions to the forms in 
which they now appear, can doubt that the affection 
and care were well bestowed. During the changeful 
years of her existence, she has shed forth a guiding 
light, such as entitles her to the highest respect, even 
to veneration. 

And then, look at that forlorn little Printing Office, 
Though its own inherent light was not very brilliant, 
it yet was an illuminating germ from which has spread 
a flame to brighten and vivify the whole land. Could 
the amiable Mr. Day revisit the scene of his activity, 
could he step into the present University office, or 
the Riverside, and behold the untold variety and 
exhaustless quantity of elegantly formed type, the 
swift-moving pressess of such ponderous dimensions, 
hear the hissing of steam and the rapid click of iron 
hands, his old fears of witchcraft might well return 
and send him back in terror to his grave. 

From what has been said of the early struggles of 
the great Educational Interest in general, something, 
perhaps, may be learned, or some feeling aroused, 
that may lead to a fuller appreciation of the benefits 
now enjoyed. It was a most worthy conception of 



474 V. EDUCATIONAL GLIMMERINGS. 

our ancestors, that education furnished the surest 
foundation for a free government, as well as the surest 
safeguard against the wiles of the " old deluder." 
But as in morals repentance is of little value without 
amendment, so here, the theory would have been of 
little value had they not taken measures to give it 
practical demonstration. They did put their humble 
machinery in operation, with diligence and prayer- 
fulness. 

We see to what a sturdy growth the noble tree 
they planted has now attained, and what excellent 
fruit it bears. And the best way in which we can 
show our gratitude is to see that it be sedulously 
guarded and nurtured, that it may remain in vigorous 
growth forever. 



CHAPTER VI. 



ASSORTED ILLUSTRATIONS. 

THIS brief Chapter will comprise a few extracts 
from the records of the Court, during its earlier 
years, which seem calculated to give some idea of 
the legislation of that period — its simplicity, direct- 
ness, and honesty. These extracts are given as they 
appear there — in the form of orders, recitals, or in- 
ducements. One object, also, had in view, is to 
exhibit the singular modes of punishment sometimes 
applied, especially to minor offences. And they will 
necessarily be introduced with little or no note or 
comment, excepting in the concluding instance. On 
the weighty matters of the Antinomian controversies, 
the Quaker persecutions, and similar topics, nothing 
is demanded in a volume of this scope. 

The general condition of a community may, per- 
haps, be more correctly judged of by the doings of its 
representative convocation than by any other means ; 
for the representatives come fresh from the various 
strata of the people, and know their wants and their 
aims. It has not been attempted to preserve chro- 
nological order in introducing the extracts, as that 
would have resulted in confusion of subjects. Dates, 
(475) 



476 VI. ASSORTED ILLUSTRATIONS. 

however, have been carefully given. A few of the 
extracts are from the records of the Court of Assist- 
ants ; and that being the major branch of the General 
Court, it was not thought necessary specially to desig- 
nate them. For convenience, the abbreviations, as 
they appear in the records, will, in these few extracts, 
be generally avoided. 

INFANT BAPTISM — MAGISTRATIC AUTHORITY, ETC. 

" It is ordered and agreed, that if any person or persons within this 
jurisdiction shall either openly condemne or oppose the baptizing 
of infants, or go about secretly to seduce others from the approbation 
or use thereof, or shall purposely depart the congregation at the 
administration of the ordinance, or shall deny the ordinance of magis- 
tracy, or their lawful right or authority to make warr, or to punish the 
outward breaches of the first table, and shall appear to the Court 
wilfully and obstinately to continue therein after due time and meanes 
of conviction, every such person or persons shall be sentenced to ban- 
ishment." [Nov. 13, 1644. 

SABBATH BREAKING — THE CAGE — EVIL SPEAKING. 

" And for the better putting a restraint and securing offendors that 
shall any way transgress against the lawes, title Saboath, either in the 
meeting house by abusive carriage or misbehaviour, by making any 
noyse or otherwise, or during the daytime, being laid hold on by any 
of the inhabitants, shall, by the said person appointed to inspect this 
law, be forthwith carried forth and put into a cage in Boston, which is 
appointed to be forthwith by the select men, to be set up in the market 
place and in such other townes as the County Courts shall appoint, 
there to remain till authority shall examine the person offending, and 
giue order for his punishment, as the matter may require, according 
to the lawes relating to the Saboath." [May 14, 1677. 

" Mr. Ambros Marten, for calling the church covenant a stinking 
carryon and a humane invention, and saying he wondered at Gods 
patience, feared it would end in the sharpe, and said the ministers did 
dethrone Christ, and set up themselues ; he was fined 10/. and coun- 
selled to go to Mr. Mather and bee instructed by him." [March 
13. 1639. 



ASSORTED ILLUSTRATIONS. 477 

" Robert Shorthose [of Charlestown] for swearing by the bloud of 
God, was sentenced to have his tongue put in a cleft stick, and to stand 
so by the space of halfe an houre." [Sept. 6, 1636. 

" Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Aplegate [of Weymouth] was cen- 
sured to stand with her tongue in a cleft stick, for swearing, raileing, 
and revileing." [Sept. 6, 1636. 

" John Smyth, of Meadford, for swearing, being penitent, was set in 
the bilboes." [June 5, 1638. 

" Whereas, there is no express punishment (by any lawe heretofore 
established) affixed to the evill practise of sundry persons by exhorbi- 
tancy of the tongue in rayling and scolding, it is therefore ordered, 
that all such persons convicted before any court or magistrate that 
hath propper cognizance of the case, for rayling or scolding, shall be 
gagged or sett in a ducking stoole and dipt over head and eares three 
times, in some convenient place of fresh or salt water, as the court or 
magistrate shall judge meete." [IMay 15, 1672. 

CHRISTMAS. 

" For preventing disorders arising in seueral places within this juris- 
diction, by reason of some still observing such ffestiualls as were super- 
stitiously kept in other countrys, to the great dishonor of God, and 
offence of others, it is therefore ordered, by this Court and the autho- 
rity thereof, that whoeuer shall be found observing any such days as 
Christmas or the like, either by forbearing of labour, feasting, or any 
other way, vpon any such accounts as aforesajd, euery such person 
so offending shall pay for euery such offence five shillings as a fme 
to the county." [May 11, 1659. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 
" It is ordered that Richard Hopkins shall be seurely whipt and 
branded with a hott iron on one of his cheekes, for selling peeces and 
powder and shott to the Indians." [Sept. 4, 1632. 

" Robert Coles is ffined x/. and enjoyned to stand with a white sheete 
of paper on his backe, wherein a drunkard shall be written in greate 
letters, and to stand therewith soe longe as the Court thinks meete, 
for abuseing himselfe shamefully with drinke, inticeing John Shotswells 
wife to incontenancy and other misdeanour." [Sept. 3, 1633. 



47^ VI. ASSORTED ILLUSTRATIONS. 

"Edward Woodley, for attempting a rape, swearing and breaking 
into a house, was censured to be severely whiped 30 stripes, a yeares 
imprisonment, and kept to hard labour with course dyot, and to weare 
a coller of yron." [Sept. 6, 1636. 

"Jane Hawkins, the wife of Richard Hawkins, had liberty till the 
beginning of the third month, called May, and the magistrates (if shea 
did not depart before) to dispose of her ; and in the meane time shee 
is not to meddle in surgery, or phisick, drinks, plaisters, or oyles, nor 
to question matters of religion, except with the elders for satisfaction." 
[March 12, 1638. 

"John Kempe, for filthy, vncleane attempts . . . was censured 
to be whiped both heare, at Roxberry, and at Salem, very severely 
and was comitted for a slave, to Lieft. Davenport." [Sept. 3, 1639. 

" Thom : Knore for selling a pot full of strong water without license, 
was fined 5^." [Sept. 3, 1639. 

"James Luxford for his forgery, lying, and other foul offences, was 
censured to bee bound to the whipping poast till the lecture from the 
first bell, and after the lecture to have his eares cut off; and so hee 
had liberty to depart out of our iurisdiction." [May 13, 1640. 

" This Court, considering how farr Sathan doth prevaile vpon seueral 
persons within this jurisdiction to make away themselves, judgeth that 
God calls them to beare testimony against such wicked and vnnaturall 
practises, that others may be deterred therefrom, doe therefore order, 
that from henceforth if any person, inhabitant or strainger, shall at any 
time be foimd by any jury to lay violent hands on themselves, or be 
wilfully guilty of theire oune deaths euery such person shall be denjed 
the priviledge of being burjed in the comon burying place of Chris- 
tians, but shall be buried in some comon highway where the selectmen 
of the toune where such person did inhabit shall appoint, and a cart 
loade of stones layd vpon the grave, as a brand of infamy, and as a 
warning to others to be ware of the like damnable practises." [Oct. 
16, 1660. 

And so the Court sought to prevent the terrible 
crime of suicide, by denying the victim christian 
burial. There is a grim mockery in this, as there is 



ASSORTED ILLUSTRATIONS. 4/9 

in the modern practice of requiring one desperately 
bent on self-destruction to furnish bonds that he will 
not commit the act ; as if the fearful impulse that 
impels to the deed could be controlled by such means. 
It has been long contended that suicide furnishes the 
most conclusive evidence of the superiority of the 
mind, the soul, over the body, and of its ultimate 
separate existence, its immortality ; for in the awful 
act, the mind wills the destruction of the body, and 
the body cannot resist ; nay, it is even compelled to 
become the instrument of its own destruction. But 
it is not designed to enter into a discussion of so 
sorrowful a subject. By simply relating an incident 
that occurred soon after the foregoing enactment, we 
shall fulfill our purpose. 

Not far from the junction of Court and Hanover 
streets, in Boston, was a spot for many years known 
as a suicide's grave. To prevent danger from a heap 
of stones lying in the highway, the earth had been 
removed so that the pile lay nearly level with the 
surrounding surface. And as the little unhallowed 
spot was avoided by the foot of the traveler, some 
thistles and one or two plants of the deadly nightshade 
availed themselves of the opportunity to lift up their 
noxious heads. Few persons passed that way if 
they could well pursue their errands by any other 
road, especially after nightfall. Some said they had 
repeatedly seen ugly snakes coiling among the stones, 
who, on being disturbed, retreated into their holes. 
Others averred that on stormy nights they had seen 
blue lights flickering there, and heard low sounds 
of distress. And all agreed that a strange, gaunt 



480 VI. ASSORTED ILLUSTRATIONS. 

dog, would sometimes, on a wild night, come and seat 
himself there, with dismal howls ; and finally, after 
scratching fiercely among the stones, slowly retire, 
howling as he went. 

But who was the unfortunate one buried there .'* 
No one seemed to know, exactly, for in such cases 
special pains were taken to obliterate all knowledge 
even of the name. But let us go back to the night 
of the burial, a night dark and dismal enough. Four 
rough fellows, in their dirty laboring clothes, two 
of them with Indian pipes in their mouths, smoking 
lustily, came up the road with a rough box on their 
shoulders, preceded by a fifth, who lighted them along 
by the lurid glare of a flaming pine knot affixed to the 
end of a long, crooked staff. The box was nailed up 
tightly, and contained the frigid remains of the de- 
ceased. No mourners followed, no friends, no neigh- 
bors. None were there but those coarse men, who 
now and then broke the silence by the utterance of 
some rude jest or grating laugh, or curse, and a mis- 
erable dog, who followed slowly on as if lured by 
some mysterious fascination, for he was known to 
none of the company. There was sighing, indeed, 
but it was that of the wild night breeze in the trees. 
And deep moaning was heard ; but it was that of the 
surly ocean upon the dark shore. 

The grave had been dug during the day, and by its 
side they found the intoxicated digger, glaring idiot- 
ically about. By a rope they lowered the coffin into 
the hole, without one lingering look from bereaved 
relative or friend. No tear was shed, no flowers 
strewn. Then the stones and gravel were shoveled 



ASSORTED ILLUSTRATIONS. 48 I 

down, and they all withdrew ; all save the strange 
dog who now ventured forward and seated himself 
upon the lonely grave as if he would be the first 
watcher there. And when the men were far away 
they heard his horrible howls mingling with the sighs 
of the trees and the ocean moans. 

But who was the unfortunate one buried there .'' 
it is asked again. Common report must be resorted 
to for an answer to the question. And that declares 
that it was a woman, a woman, once pious, intelligent, 
and beautiful. But misfortune early marked her for 
its own. In the spring time of life, when her young 
heart was gay as the mountain bird, her tenderest 
and most confiding affections received a rude, a with- 
ering shock. Next, her revered parents died, some 
said of broken hearts ; and she was left alone, a frail 
flower, shivering in the unpitying blast of a selfish 
and vicious world, her virtue sacrificed, her peace 
departed. But again her native principles of rectitude 
burst through the iron bands, and with renewed 
strength and new resolves she steadily pursued the 
better way. But alas, how indelible is the stain that 
once tarnishes the female character, and how unfor- 
giving we all are toward our erring sisters. The 
bitterest pangs seized her when the church of which 
she had once been a cherished member refused to 
restore her to fellowship ; and she seemed to feel that 
recovery of position was then impossible. Yet she 
bore her corroding fate with marked fortitude. 

And so she lived for years ; so she lived till gray 
hairs began to gather among those glossy locks that 
had been her pride in the days of innocence, of youth- 
u 31 



482 VI. ASSORTED ILLUSTRATIONS. 

fill sunshine and love ; so she lived till haggard penury 
had conducted her down to the most humble condi- 
tion, where she remained the victim of scorn and 
senseless fear. One might have supposed that in -her 
poverty and obscurity she would have been permitted 
to pass quietly away. But malice soon found means 
to reach her in her loneliness. A foul charge was 
brought against her, which was too eagerly listened 
to by the magistrates ; and she was condemned to 
an ignominious punishment ; condemned to sit upon 
the gallows, with a rope about her neck, for two hours, 
upon a lecture day, and ever after, to the end of her 
life, to wear, emblazoned conspicuously upon her outer 
garment, the terribly significant letter A in flaming 
scarlet. 

The fatal day arrived on which she was to be con- 
ducted, by the common hangman, to her seat upon 
the gallows, and begin her endless punishment — 
endless so far as her fellow-mortals could render it so. 
But — 

When the ready minister of justice appeared at her 
humble abode, his summons was unheeded, for she 
had already departed, departed at the summons of one 

more powerful and less dreaded She was 

dead. 

The grave jury declared it to be a case of suicide. 
And she was denied christian burial. Some, how- 
ever, insisted that the poor woman died of a broken 
heart. 

But the suicidal mark was placed upon her grave, 
and the dreaded spot was avoided by all save the 
gaunt and howling dog. 



CHAPTER VII. 



CLOSING SCENES. 

IT has been before remarked that Rev. Mr. Eliot, 
of the Roxbury church, took great interest in the 
attractive little Indian girl Sunny Wave. And she 
with avidity availed herself of the good instructions 
he took so much delight in imparting. She was soon 
able to read in the English Bible ; and her progress 
in all the rudimental studies gave him the highest 
satisfaction. But it was painfully inexplicable to him 
why she remained so entirely impervious to his doc- 
trinal teachings. Her veneration for the Great Spirit 
and expectation of meeting her departed mother, in 
his blessed land, rendered the thought of death any 
thing but gloomy to her. And a few simple and 
natural propositions, enforcing virtuous conduct and 
kindly acts, seemed as much as she could find a place 
for in her heart-written creed. On listening to the 
scripture narrations concerning the noble women of 
old, she would often shed tears and beg that she 
might be " good like um only Indian all the same ; " 
appearing always to feel that the religion of the red 
men was better fitted to their condition, than any 
thing offered in the more occult system of the whites. 
(483) 



484 VII. CLOSING SCENES. 

The following letter which was written by her to 
Mr. Eliot indicates the progress she had made under 
his faithful teaching. All the change we found it 
necessary to make was here and there to improve the 
orthography, lest her words should be mistaken, and 
modernize a word or two : 

" I, Sunny Wave, get good letter you send by fadher 
and much thank you. I know you wish me much 
happy. And you say hope I soon be baptize and 
love go to white man his meeting, learn pray, and at 
last go to white man his heaven home. But I feel 
much tired in head, thinking and thinking. I do not 
want go different from way you talk me to go, you 
so kind. But I love Injan religion best, and try vera 
hard to be such good little sc]uaw as Great Spirit will 
love, and take to his beautiful land, where my modher 
gone, many moons. 

" I see old Natick Squaw, yesterday night. Watch 
in her lodge till morning. She vera sick, and say 
she die soon, and want Mr. Eliot to come give her 
baptize before she die. Do come ; come quick ; she 
want comfort. Her boy brave, first say. No, no Sun- 
ny Wave, tell Mr. Eliot I no let him come ; if he 
come I shoot ; all white man want is cheat Injan. 
Then I say. Yes, yes, Mr. Eliot shall come ; he never 
cheat Injan ; he good ; you shoot him, my fadher 
shoot you ; kill you. Then he say. Well, well, he 
may come ; I let him come, you say he good man. 

" You ask me some time, what words Injan speak 
when he want to say get down on knees to um ; you 
want put it in good book for Injan to read, I talk with 



CLOSING SCENES. 485 

fadher and other old men Injans that make speech ; 
they all say wutteppesittukqussunnoowehtunkquoh is 
right Injan word for white mans words getting down 
on knees to um. May be you say, it long word, take 
away um breath ; but Injan make um tongue jump, 
when he speak. 

" I do all can to find lost white girl. I love her 
cry much ; walk many days with fadher, in search 
often hungry and much tired ; go almost to Plymouth 
meet old Narragansett chief; he say he hear some- 
thing about white girl carried off north. Fadher and 
I go that way in morning to try hear more. Out in 
cold rain ; get much wet, and fadher made sick ; vera 
bad ; I watch him, give medicine and try make him 
well. He better now. 

" O, Mr. Eliot, Sunny Wave know she not live 
many moons more. She die soon. When she walk 
in woods, she hear birds say it ; hear trees whisper 
it. They say, Sunny Wave, come, come to shiny 
land. I sit by lodge door, in night ; bright stars 
look down and say. We shine, too, over beautiful land 
of Great Spirit ; there your modher waits and beckons 
you. Your pretty bird that cruel white man shoot, 
and laugh when you cry, is there, too, and will come 
to your hand again ; there he sing in green tree, and 
hop among the flowers on river bank. And they all 
say. Come, come. I know I go soon. May be white 
men and Injans go to same home. And may be I 
see Mr. Eliot there. I run to meet him. He good, 
and will not say, like other white men. How come 
you here, you salvage devil child ; you go off, go off, 
you tawny heathen. 



486 VII. CLOSING SCENES. 

" Fadher say he come see you in few days and 
bring deer meat and duck. And I send Injan cake 
and chesnuts. 

" I love Mr. Eliot. Good bye. 

" I, Little Squaw, 

Sunny Wave." 

But Mr. Eliot, with true christian heroism, allowed 
nothing to discourage him in his efforts to bring her 
to a due acceptance of doctrinal requirements, that 
she might be sealed at the baptismal font. Her 
docility and virtuous inclinations ever kept his hopes 
alive. She in various ways assisted him in his apos- 
tolic labors, besides inducing her father to use all his 
power to prevent molestations from the disaffected 
tribes and vindictive individuals. And as long as she 
lived, she afforded him every assistance in her power 
to master the formidable words that so constantly pre- 
sented themselves to dispute his progress, during the 
long years he so diligently occupied in the perplexing 
study of the Indian languages. An example of her 
efforts appears in her letter just quoted. His anxiety 
to acquire the native languages has become a matter 
of history, for it was a great object of his life to furnish 
the red men with the scriptures in their own tongue. 

Arrow John, the sturdy father, also seemed anxious 
to assist Mr. Eliot in his arduous labors for the con- 
version of the Indians ; or to "make um good," as he 
expressed it ; though his frequent profane declaration 
that it was " dam hard work," indicated that he did 
not exactly understand the character of the work he 
believed himself assisting in. He enjoyed exceed- 



CLOSING SCENES. 48/ 

ingly the Old Testament narratives, particularly those 
of wonderful warlike achievements, and would beg 
Mr. Eliot to relate them over and over again. Finally 
he ventured the opinion that the Bible could be made 
still more valuable by introducing accounts of some 
of the great occurrences in the time of his grandfather ; 
which accounts he very kindly offered to furnish. 
Mr. Eliot could not repress his surprise and indigna- 
tion at the suggestion, and sharply rebuked the unso- 
phisticated chief; admonishing him to give no further 
credence to such abominable tales as he was accus- 
tomed to amuse himself and others with, about what 
happened in that mythical grandfather's time. The 
rebuke was received in good part, but still the dusky 
traditioner remained unsatisfied, and when a good 
opportunity offered signified his conviction that some 
of the wonderful events recorded in the holy book 
must have taken place in the time of the white man's 
grandfather. 

We have before spoken of Sunny Wave's hours 
of contemplative retirement and of her rather romantic 
inclinations even for an Indian girl. She certainly 
did, by all accounts, at a remarkably early age give 
evidence of singularly quick and refined sensibilities. 
Like a true child of nature she loved to worship in 
the great temple whose walls are the everlasting 
rocks, and whose pillars are the gnarled oaks of past 
centuries. But those temples had not then been 
invaded by the desecrating tramp of trade ; those 
venerable walls had not been made hideous by the 
irreverent hand of advertising art. " Buy your Jack- 
ets at Blue Bottle Fly's ; " — " Cheatum's is the 



488 VII. CLOSING SCENES. 

place for Bargains ; " — " Stomach Bitters at Hang- 
neck's ; " — " Get your Chain Lightning at Thunder- 
clap's ; " — and the many other legends and devices 
of similar import did not then disfigure the grand old 
mossy walls. A year or two ago the General Court 
was appealed to to raise the strong arm of the 
criminal law against such sacrilege. And the appeal 
had some effect. We can have laws enough to pro- 
tect any paltry structure reared by the hand of man. 
But God's great temple may be battered and scrawled 
over with impunity. It would hardly be matter of 
wonder if the very lightnings should take the matter 
in hand and descend in retributive fury upon the 
heads of the profane scribblers. 

In the journal of Mr. Pinion we find the following 
record of a vote passed by the General Court at a 
time when considerable excitement prevailed concern- 
ing Indian hostilities : 

" Y"^ Gen'"all Co'te on last 4'^ day pass"^ this Voate : 
lust suspition being made to appeare to y*= Co''te 
y' M'^ Morton his warde Christine Seaton hath binn 
stollen into captivitye by y*^ Indjan salvages : soe 
now if anie shal restore y^ maide, or certifye where 
shee may be founde, they shall haue for their paines 
c/. and may hearaff bee call'' M"" if he bee not 
now soe entituled, and bee a male aboue y^ age of 2 1 
yeares." 

This is another of those votes recorded in Mr. 
Pinion's journal, but not found on the regular Court 
records. It relates to a class of occurrences by no 
means uncommon in those days ; not, however, so 



CLOSING SCENES. 489 

frequent in this immediate vicinity as in places along 
the frontier. 

The latter clause of the vote shows that a singular 
value was placed on titular distinctions, and that 
"M""" was a title worthy of being striven for. But 
whether that or the hundred pounds was considered the 
greater prize, in the present case, is not easily deter- 
mined, seeing that then as well as now, some esteemed 
money above honor or fame, while with others the 
craving was reversed. 

There was an active feeling of hostility existing on 
the part of the Indians towards the whites at this 
time, which grew out of a long series of real or 
supposed wrongs and aggressions. And presently, 
though war was not in form progressing, murders 
were committed and captives taken. It was a season 
of terror not only among the interior settlements, but 
along the seaboard. 

The incident under consideration probably created 
as great a sensation as any thing of the kind that had 
occurred from the time the white man first set foot 
upon the soil of Boston. 

Mr. Morton has been before introduced to the 
reader ; and so has his fascinating ward, Christine 
Seaton. He was a respectable citizen of Boston, and 
his dwelling place, at the time of Christine's disap- 
pearance, was a little north of Beacon hill, well toward 
the water. There was a garden in front of the house, 
and in the rear a grove of native trees, extending to 
the water's edge. Christine was accustomed to ram- 
ble at will in this strip of woods, as perhaps it should 
be called, rather than grove ; and on the afternoon 



490 VII. CLOSING SCENES, 

of her mysterious disappearance was known to have 
been there for some hours. Her absence created no 
alarm till about sunset. And when search was made 
a wreath of evergreen was found which she had evi- 
dently twined while sitting in the shade, on a rock 
that overlooked the water. A bunch of wild flowers 
was also found near the wreath. 

Immediately on being missed all means that could 
be thought of were resorted to for her recovery. But 
no trace could be found. It would be useless to 
attempt to depict the extreme agony of her doting 
guardian. All that the most cordial sympathy of 
friends, joined with the kind ministrations of spiritual 
advisers, could effect, scarcely for a moment relieved 
the intensity of his grief. A general alarm, too, began 
to prevail, for none could say who next might disap- 
pear, what home might next be rendered desolate, by 
the same mysterious means. In a very short time it 
came to be the prevailing opinion that she had been 
kidnapped by some prowling Indian who had perhaps 
come down the river in his skiff under pretense of 
fishing or pursuing some small traffic. The whole 
community became agitated, for Christine was recog- 
nized every where as one of superior beauty and 
accomplishments ; there being also a surmise that 
she belonged to a family of no ordinary rank. The 
ministers preached luminous discourses on the event, 
and earnest prayers were offered in many a godly 
household. The Court, as has appeared, offered a 
liberal reward ; strolling Indians were brought in and 
sharply interrogated ; but it seemed as if the mystery 
was never to be unravelled. Sunny Wave had all 



CLOSING SCENES. 49I 

her sympathies touched, for she ardently loved Chris- 
tine. Together they had enjoyed many a woodland 
ramble, and joined hands in many a youthful frolic. 
It was almost wonderful how captivated they were by 
each other, considering the vast difference in their 
birth, habits, and training. But after all, mankind 
are essentially the same, the world over ; and the 
young, above all others, seem instinctively to discover 
in those about them the traits they love, even though 
a thick veil of conventionalism intervenes. The " lost 
white girl " spoken of in Sunny Wave's letter to Mr. 
Eliot, was probably her beloved Christine. 

Long days passed, and Time the great physician 
for heart-wounds, began his soothing office. The 
grief of Mr. Morton was so far subdued that he again 
appeared in the sanctuary and renewed his attention 
to his ordinary avocations, the light of hope never 
dying out within him. Some ungracious neighbors 
hinted that there was selfishness in his grief; that the 
safety of his ward, who they believed was a scion 
of nobility placed in his charge for some temporary 
family purpose, would be required at his hand, under 
penalty of utter ruin. 

So time passed on till the early winter days. 

In the gray of a gloomy morning, when the tide 
and winds created a swift-rolling and chopping sea, 
the alarmed patrol whose beat was along the river 
bank, observed a canoe boldly push from the opposite 
shore. As it neared the channel, he perceived that 
it was paddled by an Indian. And that was quite 
enough to fire his patriotic breast. Without a chal- 
lenge, a shout, or a moment's reflection, his musket 



49- VII. CLOSING SCENES. 

was at his shoulder. A little puff of blue smoke from 
the muzzle, a startling crack, and away sped the 
bullet on its fatal errand. It was a singularly accu- 
rate aim for him, and the dusky form staggered and 
fell. It then appeared that there was another in the 
canoe ; and from that other arose the most piercing 
cries, ringing almost supernaturally in the air. The 
canoe, left to itself, began to toss and whirl about as 
if determined to relieve itself of its burden ; and anon 
it would shoot down the current, as if ambitious to 
reach the great ocean and exhibit its prowess there. 
The danger was extreme ; and it was evident the 
dying navigator perceived it ; for the dusky form 
arose and stood tottering, but with firm hand wielding 
the paddle till the boat was restored to its proper 
course toward the shore, and had received an impetus 
that placed it beyond danger. Then, as if this were 
an exhausting effort, the form sank heavily down. 
By this time, a number of men, alarmed by the firing 
of the patrol, had collected on the shore. 

When the boat touched the land the paddle had 
fallen from the quivering hand that had so courage- 
ously wielded it — the faithful hand of Sunny Wave. 

Her companion in the boat was the long lost Chris- 
tine Seaton. 

The wound inflicted by the thoughtless patrol was 
mortal, and over the lustrous eyes of the dusky maid 
the film of death was fast gathering. Christine was 
transported with horror ; and, heedless of her own 
deliverance, indiscriminately reproached those about 
her in passionate terms. With almost superhuman 
energy she raised her dying companion to her feet, 



CLOSING SCENES. 493 

and frantically endeavored, with her own breath to 
prolong the life that was so fast ebbing. From these 
vain efforts she sank exhausted upon the cold ground. 
But unhappy consciousness soon returned, and taking 
the dying head upon her lap, she gazed intently 
upon the upturned face, bestowing at intervals the 
most ardent kisses. The worthy old Scotchman, her 
guardian, who had been hurriedly summoned now 
appeared, rejoicing with exceeding joy that his lost 
jewel was found. But he could not for a moment 
draw her attention from the sacred occupation to 
which all her powers were then devoted. 

Presently the eyes of the dying Sunny Wave opened, 
beaming with extraordinary brightness. And in full 
consciousness she spoke to her agonized companion : 

" O, Christie, Christie," she faintly said, "you now 
safe. I get you home at last, through all that hurt 
and make us fraid. Cruel white man shoot ; hit right 
in breast ; I bleed much and grow weak ; then think 
may be, after all, the cold waves swallow you up ; but 
the Great Spirit help me, give me strength, and I 
drive canoe to shore. O, I vera glad ball hit me, not 
you. It most over now ; I die and go home to Great 
Spirit, to sunny land where my modher calls. My 
fadher too come in few moons. He be much sorry 
when he know I die so. O, I grow weak now ; blood 
almost run out. Hope you, too, Christie, come some- 
time to bright land, and I see you there. Tell Mr. 
Eliot Sunny Wave say, when she dying, she love him 
much ; hope she see him, too, in good land, some- 
time ; she run to meet him when he come. Tell 
fadher he no kill white man cause he shoot me. O, 



494 VII. CLOSING SCENES. 

cover me up, cover me up, now ; wind comes cold 
over the dark water. Clouds come up and it grows 
night, night all about." 

Then she began to shiver. Her eyes closed, and 
there was a gurgling in her throat. But suddenly 
her eyes again opened, the gurgling ceased, and in 
her low, almost supernaturally musical tones, she 
added : 

" O, now, now I see away over the cold river, and 
the hills and dark woods, into the sunny land ; the 
black clouds all roll away, and open the beautiful sky 
of summer morning. O, Christie, I wish you there 
with me, today. And now I feel, too, warm wind that 
sweep over sweet-smelling trees and flowers. But I 
go alone, . . . alone — . . . No, no, there 
stand my modher by the brook ; she see me now ; 
she beckon. O, I coming, . . . coming — " . . . 

These were the last words uttered by that guileless 
tongue. One gasp, and the gentle spirit had departed. 
Not all the caresses, tears, and wails of the heart- 
broken Christine, nor the hysterical antics of the 
women gathered about, could elicit another sign of 
life. And there she lay in her blood-stained gar- 
ments, till by stalwart arms she was conveyed to the 
habitation of Mr. Morton. The almost unconscious 
Christine — totally unmindful of the gory marks left 
upon her person and her raiment by the gushing 
blood of her friend — was led along by her bewildered 
guardian in utter silence. 

The reader has probably anticipated the substance 
of most that it seems proper to add in this particular 
connection. It appears that according to the almost 



CLOSING SCENES. 495 

instinctive fears of her friends, Christine had really- 
been seized and carried captive to a distant Indian 
settlement — that Arrow John and Sunny Wave, 
having been apprized of the mysterious disappearance, 
had made the most energetic efforts to discover her ; 
and having succeeded, they next bestirred themselves 
for her deliverance ; and this, too, they effected, partly 
by strategy and partly by negotiation. The perfect 
confidence she had in them and her ready compliance 
with every direction of theirs, aided much in the 
accomplishment of their plans. 

Christine, after her rescue, was kindly entertained 
at the lodge of her friends till she was in a condition 
to bear the fatigues of her long tramp to Boston ; 
and then she set forth, under convoy of Sunny Wave. 
Their journey through the forest was very rapid 
and direct, for the Indian girl knew every step of the 
way, and the anxiety of both to avoid the dangers 
that might interpose prevented any disposition to 
loiter. Arrow John himself escorted them through 
the more hostile districts they had to pass. 

It has been seen how they appeared on that gloomy 
morning at the river, and boldly pushed out upon the 
angry waters, purposing to effect a landing on the 
Boston side, near the grounds of Mr. Morton. And 
it has been seen, too. what reward the faithful Indian 
maid received on the safe delivery of her charge. 

As soon as the harrowing news of the death of his 
beloved daughter could possibly be communicated to 
the bereaved chief, it was done, and he forthwith 
repaired to Boston, arriving, weary and foot-sore, on 
the evening preceding the day set for the burial. He 



496 VII. CLOSING SCENES. 

came into town vigorously smoking his pipe, and 
proceeded directly to the house of Mr. Morton, where 
he was received in the most considerate manner. 
Food, the most dainty that the house afforded, was 
set before him, but he tasted nothing, and continued, 
almost incessantly, to smoke his pipe. Nothing that 
they could do seemed sufficient to rouse him from 
his mournful abstraction. Being led into the room 
where his daughter now lay in her coffin, wrapped in 
the drapery of death, he stood gazing upon her in 
utter silence ; and received the most affecting condo- 
lences without the slightest recognition. Then he 
bent over, and with his own fingers opened the rigid 
lids as if to take one more look upon the beautiful 
orbs that had so long been the light of his now deso- 
late home. 

Carefully removing the robe from the breast, he 
gazed ruefully upon the cruel wound that had so 
robbed him of his earthly treasure. And as he re- 
placed the drapery a sullen cloud gathered upon his 
brow, and for a moment all the sanguinary impulses 
of his nature seemed abaze. His eyes flashed, and 
in portentous gutturals he exclaimed : " White man 
dam wicked ! I kill um all ! " And he turned fiercely 
about, as if to begin at once the execution of his 
threat. But Christine rushed into the room, and 
threw herself into his arms, in a paroxysm of grief, 
declaring with fearful earnestness that she would 
return with him to his lodge and be his daughter, 
doing every thing for him as Sunny Wave had done, 
and loving him as she had loved. Her despair en- 
tirely disarmed him of wrath. In a moment he cast 



CLOSING SCENES. 497 

down upon her a glance full of compassion. Placing 
his hand gently upon her head, he said, with a choked 
utterance : " No ki, no ki, little ooman. We all go. 
First her modher go ; next she go ; then I go. The 
Great Spirit want us all. He have room enough for 
all his children. No ki, no ki." 

The funeral of Sunny Wave was attended by a 
great concourse of people, for she was well known in 
Boston and throughout all the adjacent settlements, 
as a sweet-tempered, heroic daughter of the forest, 
merry and affectionate. Mr. Eliot was present, and 
though it was not the custom of the puritan settlers, 
at that period, to offer prayers at funerals, could not 
forego the opportunity to recall, in affecting words, 
some of the many generous acts of the deceased, and 
to depict, in warm colors, her many virtues. Nor 
could he avoid expressing the earnest hope, that hope 
which is the handmaid of belief, that, barbarian though 
she remained, in outward character, and impervious 
as her young heart ever proved to his metaphysical 
instructions, she yet, by her inward purity and loving 
sympathies, had received the reward of the just. 
Then, as he leaned over the coffin and took a last 
look at the remains — at the calm dusky brow over 
which rested a single white plume, at the closed lips 
from which had so often issued the merry outpourings 
and affectionate greetings of that joyous young heart, 
now pulseless and cold, his manly tears could not be 
restrained. 

Arrow John made no objection to any of the prepa- 
rations for the burial of his daughter. And when 
Mr. Eliot, Mr. Morton, the Governor, and other dig- 

32 



498 vir. CLOSING scenes. 

nitaries present offered their condolence, he stood 
unmoved as a statue. 

A little grave beneath the branches of an aged oak 
which, according to Mr. Pinion, must have stood near 
what is now the junction of Winter and Washington 
streets, received the cold remains. Most conspicuous 
among the mourners was the father of the deceased, 
who strode on, erect, and with eyes never diverted to 
right or left, persistently smoking his pipe, all the 
way, no one interfering with his indulgence, though 
it was in direct contravention of an order of the 
august General Court — no one, for they saw it was 
rather a resort for the relief of sorrow, than a vicious 
indulgence. All the members of the Court then in 
town, attended. There was a multitude of men and 
women from all parts of Boston and the neighboring 
settlements, and a great many of the young people 
of both sexes, all in their best apparel. And lastly, 
in the rear strode a score of stalwart Indians, such as 
had borne friendly relations to the whites, and had 
no apprehensions of being seized and detained. But 
there was not one in the whole concourse who mani- 
fested such heart-touching grief as the fair Christine. 

The remains were borne from the house of Mr. 
Morton to the place of burial, upon the shoulders 
of three youthful Indians, sons of neighboring chiefs, 
and three young whites, the coffin as it rested on the 
bier, being quite concealed by the evergreens that 
were twined about it. 

There she was buried. And for many years the 
herbage which attempted to grow around was tram- 
pled down, and a well-trodden path led directly from 



CLOSING SCENES. 499 

the rude gateway to the sacred spot, for many and 
many a youth of either sex, in their evening walks 
turned their steps thither as to some attractive shrine. 
And till far down in the last century, often as a youth- 
ful group were gathered there, was the touching legend 
recited, how there sometimes appeared, standing in 
the soft moonlight, a graceful little fawn, in its coat 
of glossy brown, with a tuft of pearly white upon its 
head, its great lustrous eyes looking sadly up to the 
strange bird, that would come and sit, hour after hour, 
on a swaying branch above, and there pour forth 
its notes in that almost supernatural harmony by 
which the dusky maid who slept beneath so loved to 
modulate her voice. But Time, who with unspar- 
ing hand levels all things, long since levelled that 
alluring little mound, and now for many years have 
stately edifices pressed with giant weight upon the 
pulseless heart. The wearying business murmur has 
succeeded the rural sounds that broke the stillness ; 
and for more than a century and a half the notes of 
the strange bird have not been heard, nor has the 
beautiful fawn been seen. 

Arrow John remained in town a day or two after 
the burial of Sunny Wave, but his condition of mind 
rendered him almost unapproachable. It was with 
the utmost difficulty that he could be persuaded to 
take sufficient food ; but his faithful pipe was his 
constant companion. 

Mr. Eliot, whose society he had previously so often 
sought and so highly enjoyed, was unwearied in his 
kindly attentions ; and believing that the unsanctified 
heart was now so softened by affliction that a favor- 



500 Vir. CLOSING SCENES. 

able opportunity was offered to press with renewed 
vigor his efforts for its true conversion, took occasion 
to earnestly labor for that great end. But the une- 
quivocal rebuff that at once met his approaches in 
that direction, convinced him that the calamitous 
events had not touched that dusky heart in the way 
he had fondly hoped, but had rather choked the little 
upspringing of the good seeds he had before sown. 
The chief indeed seemed to lose all confidence in the 
teachings and professions of his white friends, and 
grew moody and suspicious. 

He was discovered one night, by a man returning 
late from his labor, secretly at work about the grave 
of his daughter. The next morning, by early dawn, 
he had disappeared. During the day, it was thought 
expedient to ascertain, if possible, what he had been 
doing ; and it was found that he had dug a small 
passage straight down to the coffin, and upon that 
had deposited the pretty Indian reticule which she 
had almost always taken with her when she came to 
Boston, filled with presents for her friends. In the 
reticule he had placed all of her little store of trinkets 
she most prized, including a ring of considerable 
value, which Christine had long before given her. 
And so he had buried them all, with the precious 
remains. 

His departure was so sudden that he did not even 
bid farewell to the grieving Christine. And on that 
same morning the unfortunate patrol whose indiscre- 
tion had caused the great sorrow, was also missing, 
and was never after heard of by his friends. 

As the weeks passed on, Christine continued to 



CLOSING SCENES. 5OI 

deeply mourn the sad fate of Sunny Wave. She took 
little interest in the pursuits to which she had been 
accustomed, and continued so to brood over her sor- 
rows as to excite the lively concern of her friends as 
to the ultimate effect on her mind. She was urged 
into gay company, and surrounded by occasions for 
the full exercise of her various accomplishments. 
But every effort to restore her to her wonted cheer- 
fulness seemed unavailing. 

She was ever gentle, and her physical health was 
not seriously impaired, though there was less of the 
fresh glow upon her beautiful face, and her step had 
lost its proud buoyancy. And so she continued on, 
for many weeks, in the course of placid endurance. 
Spring came again, and as she loved flowers, she 
would return from her rambles bedecked with them 
and with wreaths such as Sunny Wave taught her to 
weave ; would sigh over them when they faded, and 
hasten to gather afresh. She often visited the grave 
of her lost friend, and sometimes remained there in 
the dim twilight, regardless of falling dew or gathering 
gloom, till led away by some sympathising friend. 

It was finally thought desirable that she should visit 
a connection of her guardian who lived in a charming 
spot at a considerable distance beyond the river. 
She made her preparations with perfect willing- 
ness, selecting for the occasion her best apparel and 
most prized trinkets. Nevertheless, when the hour 
of departure arrived, she appeared abstracted and 
depressed, and exhibited such eccentricities as to 
give fresh occasion for the concern of those about 
her. They were, indeed, quite startled, as she stepped 



502 VII. CLOSING SCENES. 

from the door-stone, and looked toward the distant 
woods, to see her wave her hand in a mysterious way 
and utter, in an undertone, the ominous words : " Yes, 
yes, dear Sunny Wave, I will soon be there. I will 
be his daughter now ; and the Great Spirit will pro- 
tect me, as your spirit leads me." It was fondly 
imagined that the new scenes in which she would 
engage and the new associates with whom she would 
mingle, might have a favorable effect ; and so the 
disagreeable apprehensions were relieved. 

She was received with the most cordial hospi- 
tality, every effort being made to divert her mind 
from the distressing incidents on which it had been 
so long brooding. And at times her renewed cheer- 
fulness gave promise that the hopes of her friends 
would be realized. 

She soon discovered, not far from the place of her 
abode, the secluded dell in which she and Sunny 
Wave had passed the last night of their wearisome 
tramp through the wilderness. There the prudent In- 
dian girl had kept a silent watch while she, from over- 
powering fatigue, dozed wearily beneath the protecting 
branches of a lofty pine. And to this dell she would 
often retire, to pass hours in lonely musing. She 
would again and again scramble through the rough 
pass by which they had entered, as Night was casting 
her dark mantle over the dull landscape ; and anon 
would sit by the sparkling little spring that bubbled 
from beneath a lofty rock — the spring from which 
they had taken their last draught, as they started forth 
before the first streak of dawn on that fatal morning, 
light of heart in the remembrance of dangers past 



CLOSING SCENES. 503 

and expectation of immediate safety and repose. Such 
musings, however, did not tend to strengthen the 
enlivening beams that seemed dawning upon her 
heart ; and her friends endeavored to lead her from 
them to the alleviating delights of social life. 

The period of her prolonged visit drew to a close. 
The day preceding that on which she was to return 
to Boston arrived, and the afternoon being balmy and 
bright, she sallied forth, in her best attire, ostensibly 
to bid farewell to the few young persons in the neigh- 
borhood with whom she had formed acquaintance, 
and to make a last visit to the scenes in which she 
had passed so many congenial hours. 

Night came and she did not return. The most 
anxious search was immediately commenced, but she 
could not be found. 

Indeed she was never found. 

Some imagined that she had been again kidnapped 
by prowling Indians, and lamented that there was 
now no alert Sunny Wave to go upon the search. 

Some months after, there came to Boston an old 
man from a distant settlement, with some furs for 
sale. At the little tavern he heard related the story 
of the loss of Christine, and said it reminded him 
of an account given by one of his neighbors of an 
occurrence that happened at about the time fixed as 
that of her disappearance. 

The story told by the neighbor was substantially 
this : He was one day surveying in a lonely part 
of the forest, and his course lay through a deep valley 
heavily-wooded by pines and hemlocks, almost every 
step being obstructed by the decaying trunks of 



504 VII. CLOSING SCENES. 

fallen trees. Pausing in that damp, dark solitude, to 
adjust his instruments, he was startled almost out 
of his senses on beholding, seated upon one of the 
spongy old trunks, a number of rods off, a beautiful 
girl, clad in a rich dress, and swinging a jaunty little 
French hat by the ribbons. She seemed to be musing, 
or gazing abstractedly at some distant object. The 
sunbeams were just then pouring down through the 
swaying branches, and fell in golden streams all about 
her, forming a picture of such perfect loveliness that 
his bewildered senses could at first only grasp the 
idea that some celestial visitant had descended into 
that wild solitude. When he had partially recovered 
from his astonishment, he eagerly strode toward her. 
But her eye was now upon him, and springing up 
from her rude seat, with a bound she disappeared in 
the deep gloom of the narrow pass beyond. And 
as she fled, he was surprised again, to see a beautiful 
little brown fawn, start up, as if it had been watching 
in the thicket by her side, and amble off in pursuit. 
He rushed forward with all possible speed, but was 
unable to catch another glimpse of the " angel of the 
woods," as he ever after called the apparition, or her 
watchful attendant, the little brown fawn. Upon the 
log where she had been seated he found a bunch of 
flowers and a tastily woven evergreen wreath. 

Whether this " angel of the woods," was the lost 
Christine, commencing her career of insane wandering, 
perhaps soon to become the prey of some evil beast, 
the captive of some ruthless Indian, or the victim 
of starvation, it was never known. 



1629 189.S 

LYNN 

HER COMPLETE HISTORY. 



In answer to inquiries concerning the History of Lynn, and 
the other works of Hon. James R. Newhall, the undersigned 
announce that 

The vokime by Alonzo Lewis and James R. Newhall, con- 
taining a full HISTORY OF LYNN, from the first settlement, 
in 1629, to the close of 1864, 8vo., 620 pages, price $2.25; and 
the volume entitled " LIN, or Notable People and Notable 
Things in the Early History of Lynn, the Third Plantation 
OF Massachusetts Colony," — the same that in earlier editions bore 
the title of "LIN, or Jewels of the Third Plantation," 8vo., 
500 pages, price $1.50; are now in print, and can be promptly 
received by application at the places named. 

The volume bringing the History down from 1864 to i8go 
has been out of print, but a new edition is now issued, and this 
will bring the History to 1893. 350 to 400 pages, 8vo., price $1.75. 

The above give the continuous History of Lynn in its various 
departments, and give the means to all interested to become acquaint- 
ed with its History, from 1629 to 1893. 



These, with two new books, afford an excellent opportunity to secure as 
a whole the complete works of Hon. James R. Newhall, the Historian of 
Lynn. These books are unique in their character, being compiled from 
the personal observations of the author, and contain a connected History 
of our City, including its traditions and legends. 

They are noteworthy as a reflex of the times from the standpoint of 
a long life, are useful as ready reference and for genealogical and other tables 
of information, while the quaintness of the author's style, combined with 
the spice of personal experience, make them an interesting contribution 
to literature, and a valuable addition to a library. 

Israel Augustus Newhall. 
Howard Mudoe Newhall. 



n::e:^w books. 



T'^ fnllo\vin2:-mm^d works are now prepared for the press, and ready 
iu be issue!. The a.w 'nooks are the last works of Hon. James R. 
Newhall's life, and were in preparation for publication at the time of 
his decease, October 24, 1893. 

In order to supply the continual demand for the older works, new 
editions of these are also issued. 

COLONIAL TIMES. (Just Published.) 
Legislative Dawn. Harsh and Humorous Doings. 
This volume is somewhat in the style of "LIN," but takes a broader 
range as to personal topics. 500 pages. Price $1.75. 

HISTORY OF LYNN. Vol. I. 

Fourth edition, including the original Alonzo Lewis History, 1629 to 
1864. Illustrated. 620 pages. Price, Cloth, $2.25. 

HISTORY OF LYNN. Vol. IL 

Completed to 1893. Illustrated. About 400 pages. Price, Cloth, $1.75. 
Former editions having been completed as far as 1883-1890 only. 

LIN; Of, Jewels of the Third Plantation. 

Legendary and romantic side of our history, possessing a strong fas- 
cination to any reader, wherever he may open it. Third edition. 500 pages. 
Price, Cloth, $1.50. 

Of this book George William Curtis said " It more nearly resem- 
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ever published." 

THE LEGACY OF AN OCTOGENARIAN. (In Press.) 

This volume contains : — 

I. Recollections, Observations and Experiences of the Author, dur- 
ing the last seventy-five years of his life. 

II. Notes of Travel in Europe and the East. 

III. Recalled Fugitives. A collection of pieces; chiefly short stories. 

In this volume appear numerous Biographical Sketches, Reminiscen- 
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seen in Foreign Lands, with incidental observations; and the volume closes 
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These volumes give a complete history of Lynn, from its first settle- 
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The books have full indexes, which add greatly to their value. 

Price of the Four Volumes, now ready, $6.25. 

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